Speaking of what we’re likely to hear a lot more of, at The National Interest issues a warning about China:
The Reductio ad Hitlerum is the distinctive twenty-first-century addition to Aristotle’s classic list of thirteen logical fallacies. It occurs when an argument becomes so heated that one party compares the positions of the other to those of Nazi Germany. Adolf Hitler and the Nazis were so evidently evil that anything associated with them must be bad. So if you want to argue against vegetarianism, just point out that Hitler was a vegetarian. Q.E.D.
In domestic politics, Trump-Hitler comparisons have become so routine that they have lost their shock value: the one saving grace of the personal Reductio ad Hitlerum is that it often says more about its wielder than about its intended victim. International relations scholars, perhaps more knowledgeable about the historical Hitler and his murderous regime, thankfully seem less ready to invoke him to settle petty scores.
And yet, there has now arisen a powerful, totalitarian party-state at the heart of the global economy that seems intent on repressing ethnic minorities and challenging international borders. It alternatively bribes and bullies its weaker neighbors in an attempt to establish an extensive sphere of exclusive influence. Its not-so-charismatic leader has established a cult of personality straight out of the twentieth-century dictator handbook. And it is arming like crazy.
That country is, of course, China.
I take his piece as some combination of a sincere, conscientious worry and battlespace preparation for presidential campaign season. What would President-Elect and President Biden’s attitude towards China be? Will he continue Trump’s trade war? Will he try to restore the status quo ante Trump?
Look for the answer to “Shadow President” Obama. Biden doesn’t have the energy or clarity to have his own policy, in fact that’s what a lot of supporters are counting on.
‘What would President-Elect and President Biden’s attitude towards China be? Will he continue Trump’s trade war? Will he try to restore the status quo ante Trump?’
Considering DeMentia’s past statements and history regarding the Han Empire, it’s a rhetorical question. Everyone knows that claims of genocide absent evidence trump actual genocide being committed.
I cringe to think about what the brains behind a Biden Presidency would do. Following Gray’s lead, Obama’s ideology and policies would be the command center in Biden’s Oval Office. And, seeing how Obama cow towed to China during his official Term as POTUS – ignoring the South China Sea military build-up, their theft of intellectual property, trade imbalances, and their intense military investment as Obama cut back and depleted our military – China would once again shift over into the driver’s seat.
once again shift over into the driver’s seat.
Which is why Xi is being patient, these are people he knows he can persuade.