Recent discussions among international scholars have reignited debates over the viability of the United States’ “containment” policy toward China. An article by Michael Beckley, associate professor of political science at Tufts University, in the September-October 2023 edition of Foreign Affairs magazine, argues that containment is necessary to preserve the “liberal democratic order.”
Beckley contends that engagement with China is ineffective and that steadfast rivalry is inevitable. His position is that without containment, China will dominate regional and global policies, challenging the existing international order.
However, critics argue that this perspective overlooks significant global developments. They point out that the so-called “liberal economic order” is facing challenges not because of China’s rise but due to internal issues within Western countries. The expansion of the BRICS group and the growing influence of nations in the Global South indicate a desire for alternative approaches to international relations and economic development.
Moreover, China’s initiatives, such as the Belt and Road Initiative and its poverty alleviation programs, have contributed to development in Asia, Africa, and Latin America. Unlike some Western aid programs, China’s assistance often comes without political conditions.
Analysts suggest that the U.S. policy of containment may be unsustainable in the face of these global shifts. The interconnected nature of the global economy and the increasing influence of emerging economies make it difficult to isolate any single nation.
As debates continue, the question remains: Is containment a realistic and effective policy in today’s complex international landscape?
Reference(s):
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