It seems to me that the era of global American hegemony, largely the result of two World Wars, is coming to an end. If so, the question remains what new world order will replace it.
The main actors on the new world stage seem to be the U.S., China, Russia and Islamic Fundamentalism (spread among several countries). The minor actors seem to be those other countries with nuclear weapons capabilities, plus a German-led Europe. With which of these countries should the U.S. seek alliances and/or mutual cooperation?
I think China and Russia are the two most likely candidates. The North-South division of Korea is a relic of the Korean War, and its continued instability poses an increasing threat of a refugee crisis on China's doorstep. I believe that a demilitarized (and united) Korea is in the interest of both China and the U.S. This could be accomplished by a U.S. military strike against NK followed by Chinese occupation until order is restored.
Russia poses a trickier problem in that it has a history of violating agreements with other countries whenever it suits her. Thus any agreement with Russia must contain automatic and severe penalties for anything less than full compliance. That being said, Russia may be able to play an important role in quelling Iran's nuclear ambitions, as well as providing energy resources to Europe. The key to cooperation with Russia is to create economic dependence while maintaining sufficient energy reserves to guard against blackmail by threatening to shut down energy pipelines.
Do America's vital interests require a military presence in South Korea and ground troops in the Middle East? If not, why not let China and Russia take care of their proximate interests while we hold the strings to their economies?
Thoughts/comments?
The main actors on the new world stage seem to be the U.S., China, Russia and Islamic Fundamentalism (spread among several countries). The minor actors seem to be those other countries with nuclear weapons capabilities, plus a German-led Europe. With which of these countries should the U.S. seek alliances and/or mutual cooperation?
I think China and Russia are the two most likely candidates. The North-South division of Korea is a relic of the Korean War, and its continued instability poses an increasing threat of a refugee crisis on China's doorstep. I believe that a demilitarized (and united) Korea is in the interest of both China and the U.S. This could be accomplished by a U.S. military strike against NK followed by Chinese occupation until order is restored.
Russia poses a trickier problem in that it has a history of violating agreements with other countries whenever it suits her. Thus any agreement with Russia must contain automatic and severe penalties for anything less than full compliance. That being said, Russia may be able to play an important role in quelling Iran's nuclear ambitions, as well as providing energy resources to Europe. The key to cooperation with Russia is to create economic dependence while maintaining sufficient energy reserves to guard against blackmail by threatening to shut down energy pipelines.
Do America's vital interests require a military presence in South Korea and ground troops in the Middle East? If not, why not let China and Russia take care of their proximate interests while we hold the strings to their economies?
Thoughts/comments?
