I subscribe to New Internationalist to stay aware of events around the world that do not get much coverage in the media. This article by John Pilger was fascinating. It's about how China has been set up as the target for the US military. It used to be the Soviet Union. I would think they are still considered a threat with their massive nuclear arsenal, but China is a bigger threat economically.
Now, Pilger obviously doesn't like America much. It's obvious from the language he uses to describe it, but I share his concerns about the continued investment in the military. They have bases all around the world with a lot surrounding China. This is scary. If people in the US military think they can win a war then there's a danger they will try to start it, but they are also trying to justify their existence. They have around 1.5 million personnel and a budget of $580 billion (from Wikipedia). That money could be doing a lot of good in the world.
Of course China has an even bigger army, but probably less big weapons and it's mostly based in China. They have some serious political issues with people being locked up for trying to change the system. There's no real chance of a change in regime. It has changed a lot in my lifetime to become the factory of the world. Apparently their economy is slowing down, but I expect they will dominate for a while. 'Made in China' used to be a sign of low quality, but now it's on almost everything we buy.
Trump has been making noises about a trade war with China, but can he afford to? China won't want to lose all that US business and Americans have enjoyed the cheap products.
I really hope that some level of sanity will prevail to prevent a future large-scale conflict. Recent politics has been moving away from cooperation. I guess it's partly trying to put the blame for problems on foreigners, but the fact is that we share a planet with finite resources and a growing population who all want a better standard of living. We need to move towards systems that are sustainable. Endless 'growth' is not possible unless some lose out. We need leaders who are willing to compromise and work together.
I do worry for our world and recent events have not helped. I'm not the most political person, but I feel I need to get more engaged to make a better world for my kids.
I actually watched that yesterday. It's very compelling.
Very good doc.
I haven't watched the whole thing yet. Will see if I have time
Great Post! Didn't know about the doc. Thanks for posting it
yea.. it took me 2 sessions. its long.. Last 40 mins are the best. Talks about how China already beat America at its own game of capitalism.