Alexander C. Kaufman
@kaufman
I found this conversation between Ezra Klein and Tom Friedman really refreshing. Both men question the Beltway consensus on the need to contain China, arguing that neither party realizes how technologically sophisticated China has become. Their alternative approach -- essentially engaging China the same way they engaged us, requiring their firms to form joint ventures in the U.S. with American companies and transfer technology here -- seems much more rooted in the idea of equals competing rather than taking the Thucydides trap as a given. It's also more humble about how far behind the U.S. is. Friedman's explanation of the Chinese innovation system is one of the clearest on how solar panels and batteries get so cheap there. It's not *just* lots of state money. It's a ferocious competition that winnows down the best and most efficient manufacturers. They compare it to working out at the gym. U.S. expects its companies to be fit at the outset. China helps its train. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UqBa0hBAQBA
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Waqas
@worqas
This is the only way. Considering Thucydides trap as the only option is psychopathic behavior. But sadly it is accepted wisdom in DC. I feel the biggest challenge of the next century is to stop this war from happening, it will require a global mass movement.
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Alexander C. Kaufman
@kaufman
One of the scarier details in this podcast is where Friedman talks about how the exit of so many U.S. corporations from China after the pandemic destroyed the clearest line of site the American elite had into the country.
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Waqas
@worqas
Don't usually like Friedman but I'm listening to this. Thanks for sharing.
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