Spengler: Looking Forward

Writing at PJ Media, David P. Goldman (Spengler) creates a long, carefully reasoned column about the natures of the U.S., China, and Russia and the concerns of each. A key point he makes is that both Russia and China are, in essence, paranoid - suspicious and fearful, with good reason.

Goldman notes common humanitarian gestures by the West are seen as threats to the continued existence of both, with negative results. His bottom line recommendation:

There are two basic rules for dealing with Russia and China which, if respected, will avoid tragic mistakes.

The first is that America must always negotiate from strength – real and overwhelming strength, not bluster. That means maintaining an insuperable edge in military technology. (Snip) During the past 15 years America has spent US$5 trillion on the Iraq and Afghanistan wars while gutting basic defense R&D. That has to reverse drastically.

The second is that America should NOT attempt to destabilize Russia or China – for example, by supporting restive Muslims against the Moscow and Beijing regimes.

And he concludes:

We should draw the lesson that Russia and China well may find areas of strategic cooperation with the United States, but that their incentive to seek such cooperation will rise in direct proportion to America’s technological edge.

Si vis pacem, para bellum: if you want peace, prepare for war. The wisdom is at least 2000 years old. Ask the Swiss if it is true.