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Kishore Mahbubani on Global Power Shifts & Future of Asia – Interview
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Kishore Mahbubani on Global Power Shifts & Future of Asia – Interview
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Exclusive: Kishore Mahbubani Discusses China, US & World Order")
The Distorted Lens: How Western Media Misrepresents China’s Rise
The narrative surrounding China’s growing global influence is often framed by Western media as one of burgeoning aggression. However, a closer examination reveals a crucial distinction: china is becoming assertive, not aggressive. This distinction, often lost in sensationalized reporting, is vital to understanding the evolving international landscape and avoiding self-fulfilling prophecies based on mischaracterization.
The tendency to portray China as a belligerent power is not only inaccurate but also historically hypocritical.To understand this,we must look back at the United States’ own ascent to global dominance. As detailed in Graham Allison’s analysis, and explored further in my book, Has China Won?, the late 19th and early 20th centuries witnessed a strikingly different, and far more forceful, American approach to establishing its hegemony.
Consider the actions of Theodore Roosevelt alone. Within a decade of assuming office, the US engaged in war with Spain, forcibly acquiring territories like Puerto Rico, Guam, and the Philippines. It threatened military conflict with both Germany and Britain to dictate terms on disputes, orchestrated the creation of Panama to secure canal rights, and repeatedly intervened militarily in Latin America – a staggering nine times during Roosevelt’s presidency. This was a pattern of aggressive expansion, driven by a belief in American exceptionalism and a willingness to impose its will through force.
China’s approach, in contrast, is demonstrably different. While China is undoubtedly asserting its influence – as any rising power inevitably will - it is doing so primarily through economic and diplomatic means. The Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) is a prime example. Often demonized in Western media as a tool for “debt-trap diplomacy,” the BRI is, in reality, a collaborative infrastructure progress project. Countries voluntarily participate, and are equally free to withdraw.
Extensive research by scholars like Deborah Brautigam of Johns Hopkins and meg Rithmire of harvard definitively refutes the “debt-trap” narrative. they unequivocally state, based on their findings, that Chinese banks are willing to restructure loan terms and have never seized assets from any country involved in the BRI. (“Our research shows that Chinese banks are willing to restructure the terms of existing loans and have never actually seized an asset from any country.”) Yet, the Western media continues to propagate a negative, frequently enough alarmist, portrayal of the initiative. The fact that over 150 countries have actively sought to join the BRI speaks volumes about its perceived benefits and the inaccuracy of the dominant Western narrative.
The Problem of Perspective: Why Western Media Falls Short
This consistent misrepresentation isn’t accidental. It stems from a basic lack of ancient context and a tendency to view the world through a distinctly Western lens. western media often applies a binary framework – “with us or against us” – failing to appreciate the nuanced perspectives and historical experiences of non-Western nations. This leads to a skewed interpretation of China’s actions, interpreting legitimate efforts to secure its interests and promote its vision for a multipolar world as inherently hostile.
Furthermore, a focus on sensationalism and negativity often overshadows the complexities of China’s foreign policy. The desire for compelling headlines and the perpetuation of existing biases contribute to a distorted picture that fuels mistrust and hinders constructive dialog.
Advice for Future International Relations Scholars
To aspiring scholars of International Relations, I offer this crucial advice: broaden your intellectual horizons. Don’t limit yourselves to the study of IR theory alone. Immerse yourselves in history, notably the rich and often overlooked histories of Asia – China, India, and Southeast Asia. Understanding these historical contexts is essential for comprehending the “return of Asia” and its implications for the global order.
Equally vital is the study of philosophy, both Western and eastern. western thought frequently enough operates within a framework of stark contrasts, while Eastern philosophies tend to embrace nuance and complexity. By engaging with both, you will develop a more thorough and balanced worldview, enabling you to analyze international events with greater clarity and insight.
Mastering both Western and Eastern concepts will equip you to navigate the complexities of the 21st century and contribute to a more informed and peaceful global future.
This requires a conscious effort to move beyond ingrained biases and embrace a truly global perspective – a perspective that is sorely lacking in much of today’s Western media coverage of China. Only then can we hope to understand the evolving international landscape accurately and build a more cooperative and enduring future.
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