Sustaining the U.S. Position in the International Community: The China Challenge
Abstract
A nation's economic vitality underpins its diplomatic influence and military power. The international community currently has different expectations of both China and the U.S., which informs the application of U.S. influence and the various elements of national power. The U.S. and China are in different phases of development, and fulfill different roles within the international system. China continues to develop, emphasizing the economic dimension of its national power, remaining focused on competing in global markets, setting the conditions for the success of its firms, and increasing the standard of living within its borders. The U.S. clearly maintains and exercises economic influence, but does so from a more defensive posture, attempting to preserve the stability of the current international system by utilizing its vast military apparatus. This has led to the prioritization of the military aspect of national power above the economic, and arguably the foreign above the domestic. The most important facet of the U.S. relationship with China is economic. Sound U.S. foreign policy begins with sound domestic policy, and the foundation of sound domestic policy is national productivity. To maintain its influence, the U.S. government must refocus on domestic policy, laws, and institutions; reexamining current law and pending legislative proposals, the structure of legislative branch committee structures and jurisdictions, and refining Executive branch policies.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Apr 27, 2012
- Accession Number
- ADA600624
Entities
People
- Sean L. Welch
Organizations
- Marine Corps University