Has China Won?: The Chinese Challenge to American Primacy

Kishore Mahbubani wrote this book from his point of view as a former Singapore diplomat and Chair of the United Nations Security Council. With this unique perspective and his cultural background, he offers from the bottom of his heart advise for the politicians of and America so that they may enhance their strategic thinking and avoid confrontation and conflicts. In this work Mahbubani posits that the differing ideologies of China and America should not be framed on a cold war model. Presently American politicians’ minds appear to be closed, with the rising Chinese economy, military, high tech advances, and space exploration all viewed through “Yellow Peril” and “Red Scare” glasses. They act emotionally rather than by reason, fixated on bringing down USSR and those like it. To date, the “Evil Empire” allegation in lobbying European Allies to stand against China has not met with much success. If continued, this old fashioned Washington Cold War strategy will likely fail miserably in dealing with China. As Sun Tzu said: “If you know yourself and enemy, you will win every time.” In this work Mahbubani provides readers room for thinking, comparing a capitalistic democracy with a people's democracy on topics such as who better takes care of the welfare and health of the people. He presents us with a report card of items for consideration. From disease control, poverty alleviation, high-speed rail, infrastructure, high-tech research, space exploration, happiness, the evidence mounts up. He points out the ills of American democracy that prevent it from actively addressing modern issues like the disparity between the rich and the poor, dominance politics, class contradictions, racial discrimination, public security, drug rampage, police violence, social violence, massive imprisonment, and a stagnant bottom income for the past 30 years. With such a dismal record, who now envies American democracy? In contrast to American stagnation for the past four decades Mahbubani notes that China's living standards have greatly improved with personal food, clothing, shelter, transportation, study and work freedom, all on the rise. Significantly, over 100 million people have returned to China, instead of seeking political asylum, after traveling abroad to witness democracies firsthand in Europe and the United States. It is clear that China has become the largest middle-class society on the planet! Yet, China does not export Chinese models and values. Rather, the Chinese use wisdom win friends with considerable morality. Maybe the Chinese Communist Party should be renamed as the Chinese Civilization Party! In summary, this book suggests that the world would be a better place if it adopted the best of Sino-American foreign policies with competition and cooperation instead of confrontation. As stated in the book, the rise of China will shake and anger the West, and the American hegemony will certainly come to an end. Is this a wake-up call or a warning? This thought-provoking advice, sympathetic and critical to the United States, honestly evaluates the state of the current world. I strongly recommend that both White House and Congressional politicians read and consider this book as it is especially relevant for the enlightenment of anti-Chinese hawks! Or will the Thucydides trap lead us to the end of history?