Trump was a failure in many ways during his presidency, especially when it came to his administration’s economic policies. But he at least appeared less intent on antagonizing other world leaders than his successor, Joe Biden.
01:13
President Trump wins Iowa caucus, aims to win US presidential nomination for third consecutive year
President Trump wins Iowa caucus, aims to win US presidential nomination for third consecutive year
It’s worth taking some time to think about this. This is because even if the United States and China, the United States and Russia, or even the United States and North Korea were to partially approach each other, the consequences would be potentially huge and game-changing.
These hint at a de-escalation of tensions over Taiwan, a cease-fire or truce in Ukraine with the role of NATO resolved, a possible breakthrough in North Korea relations, and a new approach to Gaza, which could change the situation on the front. changes completely.
The economic situation will also change completely. Because these reflect the Biden administration’s obsession with national security issues and its desire to scale back production reshoring or “friendshoring” in favor of a simpler (and perhaps simplified) “Trump tariff” regime. Because it means. .
The situation changes psychologically and in terms of confidence, given the fear many people have about being on the brink of world war, facing seemingly implacable enemies from Washington, Beijing, Pyongyang and elsewhere.
21:57
New Podcast Series: About Asia – Is North Korea preparing for war?
New Podcast Series: About Asia – Is North Korea preparing for war?
It is absurd and grotesquely irresponsible that things are allowed to happen. It did not “drift” to this point, but was driven by a false alliance of supposedly like-minded powers formed in pursuit of defensive or protectionist objectives.
Mr. Biden appears to be a decent and “normal guy” next to Mr. Trump, but the often self-righteous or puritanical nature of the Biden administration, which touts the virtues of doing things “the American way,” has made other leaders Conflicts that are upsettingly alienating.
Biden’s war on democracy risks backfiring
Biden’s war on democracy risks backfiring
Not everyone outside the United States (even some within the United States) shares the American Dream, and this is also true for many people in Asia. Nor do they want to be forced into an “for-or-against” alliance or alliance with the United States. At least not. Regarding all issues.
President Trump has said at times that his biggest foreign policy concerns are convincing Russian President Vladimir Putin and Chinese President Xi Jinping to give him permission to build new Trump hotels in Moscow and Beijing, respectively, or Kim Jong Un. It sometimes gave the impression that he was asking for similar favors from Mr. In Pyongyang.
The president’s critics (including many in the media) seem to find scandal in such events, but the president is not willing to engage in rhetorical rhetoric or actual engagements that may cost lives. The scandals seem less (or at least less vociferous) now that they seem to be trying to do so.
03:21
US-led coalition attacks Iranian-backed Houthi fighters in Yemen
US-led coalition attacks Iranian-backed Houthi fighters in Yemen
There is no need to extol the new president’s “virtues” or attack his vices to ask what will happen if Biden returns to power for a second term. Global tensions have risen sharply so far during his first term, which clearly bodes ill.
Barring the possibility that another good presidential candidate (not Biden or Trump) emerges like a deus ex machina in time for the US primaries, it will be a race of imperfect candidates. . That is not what a dangerously divided world facing unprecedented challenges needs.
What is important is that we should not look only to the United States for help. We have nothing close to a world government, and even imperfect multilateral organizations are under attack. Therefore, the least we should strive for is for the oligarchy to govern in concert. It’s not perfect, but it’s no worse than a single flawed world power.
Perhaps we will have to wait for 2025, the Year of the Snake. Snakes are said to be graceful, gentle, calm, and expressive. They move forward according to a plan and with determination. They are sensitive and intelligent. Sounds like exactly what you need.
Anthony Rowley is a veteran journalist specializing in economic and financial issues in Asia.