In a two-part series, authors in YaleGlobal outline the new US strategic shift, labelled ''Pivot to Asia", in recognition of a declining capacity for spreading resources too thinly across the globe. Europe (along with NATO) is urged  to take a more proactive role in sharing costs and responsibilities for regional security. Though secuirty threats from failed states, climate change, cyber and other forms of terrorism are also mentioned, it is clear that the US priority is to gear its own resources to dealing with a rising China.

For Global Power Shift – Part I dated 21 March by Alistair Burnett, Click here  For Global Power Shift – Part II dated 23 March by Richard Weitz, click here.

This two-part series reflects a China-centric fixation. While no more than responding to perceived realities in the 21st century, this mindset, however, begs the following questions –

(a) Would the expectation for Europe and NATO to shoulder greater financial and operational responsibility for NATO be realistic in the light of a financially-weakened and more China-friendly Europe much less willing to do America’s bidding?

(b) By focussing on China and the Pivot to Asia, would American strategy be led to concede the vast theatres of continental Europe, Central Asia and even the Middle East to a resurgent Russia (and China)?

(c) With worsening demographics, China is set to grow old before getting rich. Moreover, a host of domestic and international challenges hardly empowers the country to harbour hegemonic ambitions. In terms of military technology and global outreach, China is many miles behind. What is more, China has yet to develop a set of global values which can rival those of the West. All told, is China well placed to supplant American leadership?

(d) Would a China shifting towards a slower, more equitable, balanced, and sustainable development model be such a global threat?

(e) In the light of a multi-polar world recognized by these articles, would the Pivot to Asia be a vain-glorious attempt to cling to perpetual American dominance by tilting at Chinese windmills?

Best regards,

Andrew