Political Science Discussion

Watch
Video: Till 14:55′ only. China: From Follower to Leader: The Story of
China’s Rise
From Follower To Leader: The Story Of China’s Rise (Links to an external
site.)
The purpose of this video is to provide a very different perspective to that presented by
the authors of our textbook, so that both sides of the topic being discussed can be
addressed. Martin Jacques, a well-acclaimed author on China, argues that the global
order of the next decade will be characterized by the emergence of a “New Cold War”
based on a highly integrated globalized world. While the authors of our textbook claim
that a “…clash of interests” may lead to “political, economic and possibly to military
conflict” (p. 634), Martin Jacques provides economic reasons for a “sharing of power”
between the US and China.
Road map: These questions will guide you in formulating a coherent comment, with (1)
an introduction that provides the historical context of China’s rise in the 20th and 21st
century, (2) a topic paragraph that compares China and US’ economic and military
capabilities, and Martin Jacques’ re-framing of China’s economic power and military
strategy in terms of a “new cold war” (questions 4,5,6, 7), and (4) a concluding
paragraph that hypothesizes the outcome of the rivalry between US and China.

1. According to Martin Jacques, what were the two assumptions that shaped the
   “West’s understanding of China in the 1970s?”
2. What events decisively undermined these two assumptions in 2008?
3. How did the US’ and China’s economic experiences diverge by 2014?
4. Why does the US equate China’s economic rise as a “threat?” Consider the
   economic and military aspects, given both in our textbook (p. 6O7) and by Martin
   Jacques.
5. Why do the authors of our textbook conclude that ” the United States will continue to
   be the world’s dominant military power for some time”? (p. 608) “
6. Martin Jacques refers to a “New Cold War” between the US and China (Video 9:30
   minutes) What are the three major differences in this new cold war as compared to the
   cold war between the US and USSR?
7. Which of the above 3 differences, supports Martin Jacques’ proposal of a “sharing of
   power” rather than “fighting for global leadership?”
8. Based on your assigned reading and viewing of the video, will China emerge as a
   rival superpower to the US, triggering military conflicts or will there be a sharing of
   global power between the US and China? Your argument should present evidence and
   clearly stated reasons.

Sample Solution