How the US went from ‘a position of strength’ to ‘gung-ho’ on China
Years of decoupling showed that independence was an economically ruinous illusion while pragmatic bargaining yields vastly superior returns
Not so long ago, Washington’s approach to relations with Beijing was anchored by a single assertive phrase: dealing “from a position of strength”. It was rooted in a unipolar mindset: a belief that the United States could dictate terms, manage competition unilaterally and demand compliance from a distance.
