John Mearsheimer’s
arguments in his book “The Tragedy of Great Power Politics” and G. John
Ikenberry’s article, “The Rise of China and the Future of the West: Can the
Liberal System Survive?” differ on the ideas of the future between China and
the United States. Mearsheimer’s predictions of the future of China and their
international relations revolve around conflict of the idea of possible
conflict if necessary action is not taken. To Mearsheimer, the United States
must choose between staying or leaving East Asia based on how China progresses.
Ikenberry believes in different possibilities, mainly one in which China
progresses in the Western with an open market alongside the United States.
After reading both pieces, I agree with Ikenberry’s arguments much more than
Mearsheimer’s.
One factor to
compare the two works is the difference between the publication dates.
Mearsheimer’s book was published in 2001 while Ikenberry’s article was
published in 2008. Seeing that both heavily rely on predictions, it is easy to
see why Ikenberry’s work includes more recent facts and a more current take on
the issue, whereas some of Mearsheimer’s ideas have already proven to be false.
For example, Mearshemier’s ideas are based off the assumption that China’s
economy will continue to grow into the 21st century, whereas Ikenberry’s
ideas, made seven years later, show the fact that China’s economy has in fact
expanded. Also, along with its economy, China’s military has grown into a
legitimate threat to other nations, especially among those in East Asia. Therefore,
Ikenberry can use these as facts and can apply them to further his predictions.
Not only does
Ikenberry’s article provide more recent information, but it also resonates with
my ideas more than Mearsheimer’s. Ikenberry presents a grand strategy for the
United States: to make the Western system harder to overturn and easier to
join. By doing this, the United States places China not just against the United
States, but against the entire Western system that has been established for
decades. Mearsheimer focuses more on the effect of the growth of China on East
Asia, rather than its effect on the entire global system.
The quote, “The
Road to the East runs through the West,” is a key component to Ikenberry’s
article and truly represents how the United States must think in their
international relations with China. Basically, the quote shows that the rise of
the East must rely on the West. Therefore, the East (China) cannot rise without
the resources, markets, and organizations set by Western civilization. If the
United States continues to strengthen the Western system, then this can be
easily attainable. As Ikenberry later points out: if China goes against in the
United States in the future, China will win. However, if China goes against the
entire Western system, the West will prevail. Overall, the ideal situation is
for the United States and China to rise together as great powers. At this
point, it is clear the China has a strong enough economy and military to be
considered a great power in world politics. However, it is up to the United
States to determine how much power it can actually gain and whether or not it
will take the throne as the great power of the world.
Ikenberry, G. John. "The Rise
of China and the Future of the West." Foreign Affairs. 26 Oct. 2014.
Web. 26 Oct. 2014.
<http://www.foreignaffairs.com/articles/63042/g-john-ikenberry/the-rise-of-china-and-the-future-of-the-west>.
Mearshemier, John. “The Tragedy of
Great Power Politics.” New York: W.W. Norton. (2001). pp. 396-400.
I disagree with Ikenberry. As Americans, we should be like Mearshemier who exhorts America to become stronger because China will become a power that we will not be able to control.
ReplyDeleteI see the liberalist perspective--live together in harmony and with interdependence. However, I believe that if we did live in interdependence, the relationship will eventually be soiled, and the alliance that once existed will disappear in a frantic search for power.
It is true that China will rise to power. And it makes sense that America should accommodate to China and create a solid relationship between the two so that there will be little conflict between the two. But, if America continues to accommodate to China, can this relationship last a long time? I don't think so because as we accommodate to a potentially strong power, we eventually become their servants doing what they want us to do. In one sense we have lost our influence in the world.
And so I ask you, can this relationship that Ikenberry suggests really last? And will it be successful?
Ikenberry's ideal relationship with China does not precisely mean that we will bend over backwards to allow them to do as they please. It does mean, however, that changes will need to be made that enables them to enter the western system easily and successfully. If we show them that they can achieve success in our system, then it could be them depending on us for their success. Therefore, this system could in fact last for some time as long as China must rely on the western system to succeed and grow.
DeleteI agree with Ikenberry and Mark regarding the power of China and the US. Mark makes a very good point that Mearsheimer was published seven years before Ikenberry and many hings have changed in that window of time. China is a serious power and therefore a serious threat to US power, both men are correct in this.
ReplyDeleteHowever i do support Marks view of inviting China into the western economy, therefore controlling the way China expands. By creating a great western economic force with other countries, the US can harbor a "if you cant beat them join them" view in China leaders, and they will be more likely to bow down and fall in line.
I do not think challenging China's power is in the best interest of the US. It's power is simply too much now. In other words we have missed the boat on killing the rise of China. Thomas does make a good point, we should not coddle China like we have before, just create a system they have no choice but to join.
I agree with the idea that we should create a system which China must join. I am, however, a bit skeptical about how this relationship would work and like Thomas commented, how long will it last? I also don't believe that we can stop the threat fully, so we should focus on doing what we can to contain and limit it. Mark does a good job informing the reader of just how strong China is as a whole, not just economically. It is an interesting topic of debate, and I found this post to be very insightful.
ReplyDelete