Part 9/11:
The Complications of U.S.-China Relations
The discussion does not shy away from the evolving grand strategy of China in the face of U.S. interests. Historical expectations—that China would thrive within a Western-led global system—have shifted. As China asserts its influence, Payne argues that its current trajectory poses direct contradictions to U.S. ambitions for maintaining a rules-based order.
Moreover, the rise of China as a formidable global player raises significant concerns about how these two nations can coexist without escalating into direct conflict. Professor Payne calls attention to the historical contexts that may guide or hinder this potential coexistence, warning against underestimating the repercussions of unchecked ambition on both sides.