Quote Originally Posted by JAG View Post
Gah, better actually give a proper opinion then.

Let us not kid ourselves, we are already whitnessing the end of US hegemony and the progress towards a twin superpower world order. It is not simply down to the economy, I have not read all the posts above this one, but I am sure you have some to the conclusion that though China's rate of economic growth will slow, they will continue to grow at an extremely good rate none the less, especially when comparing it to the rest of the developed world. Just as they showed their economic strength in being the first to come out of the world recession and grow again - at a considerable rate to boot! - they will continue to flex their economic muscle and unlike other emerging economies - Brazil and India spring to mind - because they dont have the 'moral compass' of a democracy, the growth will march onwards, ever onwards.

But as I said it is not simply economically that the emerging world order of the next generation should be judged. Already we see, whether neo-liberal US hawks want to believe it or not, that China's blessings on matters of foreign policy matter, not only to those in the geographical area, but most importantly to the US. The US needs China on board when combating Iran. Even 10 years ago, the situation would have been different, there would have been overtures and respect given but no credence given to the Chinese position. It is different now, and I think it is quite plain to see. Geeze, the Dalai Lama visits the US and meets with the President and we get one lousy picture?

Of course more and more with the economic growth of China these two different thoughts merge into one anyway - with China becoming the workhouse of the world, the fuel for global trade, just like over the last century people have disliked the US but have been economically forced not to hate them - the same is the case with China, ergo China plays and is considered, a bigger part on the world stage. Though they are still behind the US now, in 5 years time they will be their equal, even if they are not so statistically when you look at the economy.

As to why I want this to happen? Firstly I do not consider China to be evil. That I think is an important point to make, because a lot of people seem irrationally afraid and fearful of China, it is much like how some of the world are irrationally hateful and scared of the US. I do not believe either is evil, simply at times both misunderstood and wrong. This also is nothing to do with China's values in relevance to mine - not at all, I find some values of theirs distasteful and some honourable, much like the US.

The real reason why I think this is a good thing? Because in terms of international relations I prescribe to the Idealism train of thought and I believe with more than one superpower it is a better situation in which to flourish. That could be flawed - in fact it probably is - but it is my belief, for a number of reasons, and thus I stick to it. The US to a large degree has done a very noble and honourable job in policing the world but it has also had free reign to do whatever the hell it likes, with another superpower this tendency, in my view, is diminished.

Loads more I could type, studied this area a damn enough, but getting tired etc - I am sure you get my drift! :)
cheers for the response.