Thoughtful/useful post from @RushDoshi. Maybe there's more agreement than I had previously understood. That might be good! In the interests of avoiding premature consensus, though, let me prod a bit. I think 1 and 2 are almost undeniable, even if one is a realist (as I am). 1/
Clearly ideology playing a role in US-PRC comp. If nothing else, check out recent DOD China report for discussion of how CCP thinks it is. Re 2, stakes clearly relevant for political structure, since victor/dominant power is near certain to influence (if not impose on) others. 2/
So then real question is how much should ideological considerations be prioritized/emphasized/reflected in US policy. This is ? I raised yesterday. If Demo Peace Theory is correct, eg, then US really shld be in business of transforming Chinese govt (prudently of course). 3/
& if spread of lib dem is really critical & linked to US core interests & ultimate success in competition, then US shld be VERY wary of collaborating w non-dems & "illiberal" dems. ? of degree/prudence, of course, but much heavier thumb on scale against in this case. 4/
I don't think debate shld shy away from these hard calls/clear logic. Policymakers can exercise prudence/tactical compromises, but the strategic logic should be as clear as possible. 5/
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