So they mention "economy" several times, but no mention of CPTPP/RCEP (existing trade agreements)... Constrained by domestic politics again? If China trades more with SE Asia, then what US wants/influence will decrease.
I think when we mention keeping the global commons open in the Indo-Pacific region we mean holding CCP's hegemonic ambitions in check if not removing their source -- CCP themselves -- from circulation. CCP -- and Mullahs-Jihadis -- are the only forces wanting to control the global commons. Well, arguably WEF-type guys as well, but their focus is more Europe, Africa, the Middle East, and the Americas, plus they lack intrinsic military spirit. Their weapon is deceit.
In the Indo-Pacific region we are looking, then, almost exclusively -- for now anyhow -- at CCP and their ambitions as the salient threat to keeping open the global commons. So, what forces are available in strength sufficient, at least potentially, in principle, to check CCP's ambitions or remove CCP? There are three kinds of force for doing that, diplomatics, finance, and war-fighting.
There is one kind of entity which has those forces at hand to use, at least potentially, in principle, the nation state. With respect to the land-water mix comprising the Indo-Pacific region, there are five nation states owning diplomatic, financial, and war-fighting force levels sufficient to compel CCP to heel or leave town, USA, Russia, Japan, Australia, and India.
So, the strategic problem of the Indo-Pacific region -- namely, CCP and their ambitions -- is solvable by agreement among those five nations. That is doable. Has any good idea fairy thought of that one yet?
"You can always tell a Harvard man. But you can’t tell him much." I wonder what the Best and Brightest will come up with next.
So they mention "economy" several times, but no mention of CPTPP/RCEP (existing trade agreements)... Constrained by domestic politics again? If China trades more with SE Asia, then what US wants/influence will decrease.
I think when we mention keeping the global commons open in the Indo-Pacific region we mean holding CCP's hegemonic ambitions in check if not removing their source -- CCP themselves -- from circulation. CCP -- and Mullahs-Jihadis -- are the only forces wanting to control the global commons. Well, arguably WEF-type guys as well, but their focus is more Europe, Africa, the Middle East, and the Americas, plus they lack intrinsic military spirit. Their weapon is deceit.
In the Indo-Pacific region we are looking, then, almost exclusively -- for now anyhow -- at CCP and their ambitions as the salient threat to keeping open the global commons. So, what forces are available in strength sufficient, at least potentially, in principle, to check CCP's ambitions or remove CCP? There are three kinds of force for doing that, diplomatics, finance, and war-fighting.
There is one kind of entity which has those forces at hand to use, at least potentially, in principle, the nation state. With respect to the land-water mix comprising the Indo-Pacific region, there are five nation states owning diplomatic, financial, and war-fighting force levels sufficient to compel CCP to heel or leave town, USA, Russia, Japan, Australia, and India.
So, the strategic problem of the Indo-Pacific region -- namely, CCP and their ambitions -- is solvable by agreement among those five nations. That is doable. Has any good idea fairy thought of that one yet?
Your separation of policy and political drama are excellent. Have you done similar work on Global Warming Climate Change.