Sino-American Relations in the 21st Century: Taking a Page from the Venezuelan Crisis of 1895
Abstract
The Sino-American relationship will be the most important bilateral relationship of the 21st century. As China continues to expand its influence regionally and globally, the U.S. is striving to maintain its position atop the world order. Given the tendency of inter-state conflict between rising and status quo powers, within the framework of A.F.K. Organski s power transition theory, it becomes imperative to international order to examine ways to preserve peace during times when the power transition theory applies. This paper posits that there are real similarities between the peaceful Anglo-American power transition of last century, and the conditions that could exist in the Sino-American relationship of this century. Specifically, the Venezuelan crisis of 1895 brought increased tensions between Britain and the U.S. and the very real potential of war. Both sides of the conflict deftly employed diplomacy and pragmatism to find a peaceful resolution. Today s policymakers in the Sino-American relationship can draw lessons from the Venezuelan conflict in order to find peaceful solutions to potential points of increased tension during their relationship in the 21st century.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Apr 13, 2015
- Accession Number
- ADA625886
Entities
People
- Joseph H. Wenckus
Organizations
- National Defense University