Napoleon once predicted that the rise of China would shake the world, and we are starting to feel those tremors. In their book “World on the Brink: How America Can Beat China in the Race for the Twenty-First Century,” Dmitri Alperovitch and Garrett Graff argue that the United States is facing a critical moment in history. They suggest that the U.S. and its Western allies are now coming to terms with the economic and military advancements made by China.
The authors emphasize the high stakes involved, with China aiming to not only control Taiwan but also replace the U.S. as the world’s superpower. They warn that a conflict between the U.S. and China would be unlike any other in history, with potentially devastating consequences. Alperovitch outlines steps that the U.S. can take to prepare for and hopefully prevent such a catastrophic event.
China’s ambitions extend beyond Taiwan, with the country seeking dominance over the Indo-Pacific region to control the global economy. The authors caution that China’s increasing power could lead to censorship and control over various aspects of people’s lives around the world.
Alperovitch acknowledges that a war with China would be catastrophic, given the country’s economic strength and technological advancements. He highlights the lack of U.S. preparedness for such a conflict and the need for strategic actions to prevent it.
While recognizing the challenges posed by China, the authors also point out the weaknesses in Beijing’s system and the potential hurdles the country faces in the future. They stress the importance of the U.S. and its allies taking proactive steps to manage China’s rise and avoid a catastrophic confrontation.
In conclusion, the authors urge the U.S. to prioritize and act decisively in response to China’s growing power. They emphasize the need for tough decisions and increased cooperation with allies to deter a potential disaster and shape the future of the world in the twenty-first century.
