Is U.S. Conflict with China Inevitable?
Abstract
For well over a decade, the United States has been the undisputed hegemon in a unipolar world. Many experts believe that the current unipolarity cannot last as historically the world's powers will seek a balance of power. In the coming decade, that great power, or near-peer competitor could arise in the form of China. However, a major question in a world evolving to bi- or multi-polarity is, does that change necessarily constitute a coming conflict in the same vein as the previous Cold War between the United States and the Soviet Union? If history is an accurate indicator, the answer is most likely "yes" due to a number of factors. First, there are already a number of major potential sources of conflict between the United States and China, such as China's human rights record, its growing economic influence in the global market, and its ever increasing military capabilities. Second, and arguably the most critical, is the United States' policy with regard to Taiwan. Given the accuracy of the above two statements, this paper will examine the U.S.-China relationship from a historical perspective, discuss the sources of potential conflict, and conclude with three alternatives for future relations between these two great powers. Finally, the paper will select the best alterative for U.S.-Chinese relations in terms of the elements of national power.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Mar 18, 2005
- Accession Number
- ADA431735
Entities
People
- David A. Southerland
Organizations
- United States Army War College