p.54 US lacks comprehensive strategy on China. lacks 'spiritual vitality'. Trump's tariff moves doesn't deter or hurt China long term.

p.57. Erosion of US risks to USD. USD as a reserve currency while benefitting them, is also its Achilles heel. It is based on 'trust' (Ruchir Sharma). Pressures away from USD: as weaponizing of the USD decreases trust; INSTEX as an alternative.

US Sacred cows:
#1 forever
It is inherently virtuous
US on autopilot; no comprehensive strategy for China or strategic adjustments for the future.

p.94 China's historical view of Taiwan - as per the 1894-5 Sino-Japan war, May 4 1919

p.136 Factionalism & corruption as major threats to unity of both the CCCP and China.

p.95 US walks away from Treaties and agreements.

“Good doesn't always follow from good.” Max Weber.

p.154 Authoritarian regimes. Balancing Growth (threat to established political structures), personal freedom, stability.

p.164 “Is it wise to believe that there is only one road for all societies to travel on if they want to grow or progress?”
China as a 'closed society with an open mind' vs India and US (Pratap Mehta)

p.177 Even US chooses its interests over its ideals.
'When America had to choose between promoting its ideals or its interest, it chose to set democracy aside.'

p.179 China believes US has a more Machiavellian goal in wanting to export democracy to China

p.180 Plato: Philosopher King –> Xi Jin Ping. But succession is a problem, see Emperor Qianlong.

p.184 American exceptionalism. America's assumption of virtue rests of the idea that USA is the best society in the world in improving the lives of its citizens. This has no longer been the case since the 1980s.

p.189 US has “the surface guise of a functioning democracy.” but it reality, it is a plutocracy. But this myth that US is a land of equal opportunity is hard to dispel. It is too much a part of the American identity (p.201)

p.219 US geographic advantages v Europe

p.220 African migration to Europe

Concept of non-contradictions between US and China: in national interests, climate change, ideology (comm vs dem), values, civilizations

Mahbubani K. Has China won?: the Chinese challenge to American primacy. New York, PublicAffairs, 2020.

• Created: 2021-02-17