Monday, January 11, 2021

Europe’s China Gambit — Dani Rodrik

 Clash of civilizations.

There are actually a number of civilizations interfacing now, with "Western civilization" the newcomer to history. Chinese, Indian, Persian, Arabian, Hebrew, Jewish (religious), Christian (religious), Islamic (religious), etc.

Liberalism would argue for a multipolar world characterized by tolerance rather than confrontation and conflict. Traditionalism demands a multipolar world and is willing to fight for it.

In addition, the self-declared "liberal" countries do not oppose "illiberal" ones universally or uniformly, but rather based on their own interests rather than on principle and behavior. Which, of course, is hypocritical and casts doubt on the commitment to actual liberalism.

Project Syndicate
Europe’s China Gambit
Dani Rodrik

7 comments:

Andrew Anderson said...

Liberalism would argue for a multipolar world characterized by tolerance rather than confrontation and conflict. Traditionalism demands a multipolar world and is willing to fight for it. Tom Hickey [bold added]

First "multipolar" should be "unipolar?"

But yeah, some cultures don't mix. Which is why, in the Old Testament (Deuteronomy 23:3-8) certain tribes were not allowed in "the assembly of the Lord" for up to 10(!) generations.

Andrew Anderson said...

hich, of course, is hypocritical and casts doubt on the commitment to actual liberalism. Tom Hickey

What is there to be committed to? A belief in non-belief? A hope that there is no hope?

Peter Pan said...

No matter what ism you're into, you're supposed to respect the sovereignty of other nations.

We have had a multipolar world since about 2010, but don't tell Tom.

Andrew Anderson said...

you're supposed to respect the sovereignty of other nations. Peter Pan

Except "Doing right ain't got no end" when it has no beginning.

Peter Pan said...

What do you mean?

Andrew Anderson said...

That the US, unwilling to pursue justice domestically, has a perverse need to meddle in other countries as a distraction.

Peter Pan said...

They meddle in other countries for geopolitical reasons. They don't care about justice, but do take care in presenting themselves as acting in the interests of justice. In other words, present themselves as the 'good guys'.