A New Cold War de Sanjaya Baru: Henry Kissinger and the Rise of China

HarperCollins India. Paperback. NEW. In July 1971, US National Security Advisor Henry Kissinger embarked on a covert journey to China, marking a significant turning point in global history. This visit not only transformed US-China relations but also laid the foundation for China's ascent as a major global power. Over the course of four decades, the two countries maintained a secretive pact that benefitted each other. The United States aided China's economic growth with the expectation that it would adopt Western democratic practices. Meanwhile, China leveraged its economic and military strength to expand its influence worldwide, often at the expense of the US. However, fifty years after Kissinger's groundbreaking visit, the dynamics between the US and China have dramatically shifted. The two nations currently find themselves embroiled in a trade war that threatens to escalate into a new Cold War. While the US has not openly declared a desire to sever ties with China, the concept of "de-coupling" is being discussed more fervently. China's remarkable rise has positioned it as a dominant force across Eurasia, and it has started to pose economic and military challenges to its neighboring countries, including Japan, Korea, Vietnam, Taiwan, Australia, the Philippines, Indonesia, and India. This compilation of critical essays delves into the far-reaching impact, consequences, and lasting legacy of Kissinger's initial visit to China. By thawing diplomatic relations between the US and China, Kissinger's actions set in motion a chain of events that shaped the global order as we know it today. The essays specifically explore how the newfound relationship between the US and China influenced subsequent decisions, such as the US's choice to invest in China's economic growth and its support for China's entry into the World Trade Organization (WTO). These actions bolstered the groundwork for China's ascent as a formidable world power. Nevertheless, the trajectory of US-China relations has taken a sharp turn, driven by concerns over China's growing assertiveness and challenge to American dominance. The trade war that has ensued showcases the growing tensions between the two nations. Washington's unease with China's increasing influence, coupled with its military and economic threats to neighboring countries, has fueled the notion of a new Cold War. As the discourse surrounding the US-China relationship evolves, particularly in the realm of economics and national security, the essays housed in this collection offer valuable insights. They probe the complex web of interactions that have shaped the current geopolitical landscape and examine the enduring legacy of Kissinger's groundbreaking visit. By shedding light on the past, they serve as a powerful tool for understanding and navigating the evolving dynamics between these two global powers.