Part 8/13:
Shearing posits that countries influential in the global economy will eventually be compelled to choose their side, driven by security guarantees, access to Western markets, and the dominance of the U.S. dollar. Despite China's rapid growth and technological gains in critical sectors like rare earths and minerals, structural advantages currently favor the West. However, China’s long-term growth prospects face headwinds due to slowed economic momentum and challenges in balancing its vast current account surpluses, which must find safe havens, often within U.S.-aligned economies.