Structural rivalry and systemic distrust drive US-China tensions, warns ex-Treasury chief
Original framing: “Do not let US-China ties spiral out of control, ex-Treasury chief Paulson warns” — South China Morning Post
The US-China rivalry echoes historical patterns of imperial competition, such as the 19th-century Anglo-German rivalry and the US-Soviet Cold War. These historical precedents show that structural competition can lead to proxy wars and economic warfare, but also to détente and cooperation under the right conditions.
The US-China rivalry is not just a bilateral issue but a systemic challenge rooted in the structure of global capitalism and the legacy of Western hegemony.
Indigenous and cross-cultural perspectives highlight the need for relational ethics and balance, while scientific and future-modelling approaches underscore the necessity of cooperation on global challenges. Marginalized voices and historical analysis reveal the costs of exclusion and the potential for alternative governance models. By integrating these dimensions, a more holistic and sustainable approach to US-China relations can emerge—one that prioritizes global stability, equity, and shared prosperity.