Part 6/7:
Ultimately, Ferguson believes the U.S. can prevail in Cold War II, but only if it is willing to make the necessary investments in defense, technology, and immigration reform to maintain its innovative edge. He argues that the country functions best when it has a clear external adversary, as it did during the original Cold War, and that the current bipartisan consensus on the China challenge is a positive sign.
However, he warns against rushing into a direct confrontation over Taiwan, advocating instead for a strategy of deterrence and patience, akin to the approach taken by Henry Kissinger and Richard Nixon in the 1970s. By buying time, the U.S. can strengthen its position and avoid the kind of reckless showdown that could lead to catastrophic conflict.