lewisabroad

Economic Distress and Geopolitical Risks

Agree with investor 88.
China could use reunification with Taiwan as a distraction from internal problems. Fortunately ties are improving but that could change in three years if a pro-independence party is elected in Taiwan.
The best solution is diplomatic engagement and retrenchment, in my opinion. Retrenchment meaning a major pullout from the Iraq debacle which has been finally successful due to the persistence and intelligence of our troops and military leadership but has been a major drain on our economy. Engagement with Russia and China who should be our partners in turning around an economic catastrophe. Working together to come up with solutions to the economic crisis would build confidence and partnership with these countries that need not be our adversaries. Political transformation happens from within a country and cannot be forced from the outside. It is a cultural phenomenon - if we expect to see democracies in China and Russia in the next 50 years we should do as much as we can to promote cultural exchange and economic ties, and put down the guns (i.e missile defence in Eastern Europe and Japan, weapons sales to Taiwan).