China and America - Different Ways of Viewing the World - Coursework Example

Introduction The realists, pluralists and critical all have a different way of viewing the world we live in. They take different approaches in literal work, giving conflicting approach to the world today. In the relationship between China and the western power being one of the topics the three approaches have been applied in. The liberal view focuses on the importance of both countries to each other and how to embrace the rise of china without violent confrontation (Friends Committee 2005). The realist on the other hand is more interested in the possibility of war between the upcoming power and the existing world power (Mearshemier 2010). The critic also has a different approach; they view the relationship between the two countries as a relationship of convenience with the Americans are benefiting (Silverstein 2008). In my view, the liberals have the best approach that serves the best interest of both China and America. Discussion To start with, the liberal view of the relationship between China and America, analyses the benefits of that both countries reap from each other. While America depends on china to invest in multibillion dollar industry in China, the Chinese also depend on America to buy their cheap exports. The Chinese exports therefore are not only a source of income to the Chinese, but also lower the cost of living for the Americans who purchase the exports. This is an example of the interdependence of the economies of the two countries. Therefore, the rise of China as a potential future world power should not be a threat to the American government. Instead of focusing on the weapons to use against china in an expected cold war, the US government is and should be focusing on strengthening the bond with china. With this the trade between the two countries will grow benefiting both of them. Pluralism therefore is the inclusion of all for the mutual benefit of all parties involved. In this respect, the American congress is in the process of formulating a law that that will strengthen the relationship of the Americans and Chinese. The law will help strengthen the interaction of the countries through the recognition of the Chinese culture in America. This will serve to prevent potential cold war between the countries. Instead of America viewing china’s rise as a threat to its position as the world economic leader, it should divert its focus to the potential beneficial trade with china. However, the realists have a totally different approach to the rise of China in the recent past. Mearshermier (2010), shifts his attention to the potential threat security threat china is likely to cause when it rises to power. China has already started showing interest in the control of its sea line through building a blue navy to operate in the Arabian Sea and the Indian Ocean, thereby putting an end to their dependence on America for that service. China’s move to build a strong army is also of concern to America since it shows the potential of china rising to power with war. On the other hand, America is also preparing itself for war in case of the use of war to defend its title as the world’s most powerful nation. While America views the military modernization as being offensive, the Chinese insist it is defence oriented. The latter argue that it wants to protect its territories from external invasion. However, china will do this while commanding respect from potentially dangerous neighbours. The neighbouring countries will have to play by the rules dictated by china if china is to rise as the most powerful nation thus competing with US who rules over all American states. The approach china is taking is not ethical neither is the approach taken by the US in the past. Us ruled over and controlled most nations due to its economic and military superiority interfering with the internal affairs of many countries. China seems to be following the same footsteps to oppress its neighbours when it rises to power. Moreover, the critics are not doing any better to foster the relationship between America and China. Silverstein 2008, highlights the relationship of convenience between the US and China in his writing. He insists on the weaknesses of the Chinese government that disqualifies it from having a good relation with US. The Chinese leadership is dictatorial and oppressive to the citizens. The Chinese government is known for repressing social groups as an act of dictatorship. This unethical characteristic of the Chinese leadership has worked to isolate China from the rest of the world. The western leader wanted to be associated with Chinese leadership as it would have a negative impact on their reputation. This is evident in the rare visits to China by US presidents. The business relationship between china was prompted by the influence of some influential business persons who would benefit from doing business with China. The CEOs were influential people in the American politics and most of them were actually personal advisers to the presidents thus influencing the choice of trade with China. Most of those who advocated for trade with China had a personal interest in mind in so doing since the trade benefited them directly. Only those who were associated with the companies that had businesses in china were the beneficiaries of the trade putting aside national interests. This is not an ethical approach to the society as only a few individuals benefit from the trade at the expense of the whole nation. Conclusion The liberal approach is therefore the best approach to the world of today. This is majorly due to the joint benefits to all countries involved with none looking down on the other. This works to boost trade between countries while promoting healthy growth in the economies without bias or uncouth practices. The realism is more focused on the negatives that come with the rise of China as a powerful nation. This will not only affect America, but also have serious consequences for Australia who also perceive China as a potential threat in the near future, it grows its military power to be as strong as that of America of even stronger. Thus the expected military superiority of china is viewed as being more offensive than defensive. On the other hand, the critics concentrate on criticizing the unexpected trade between America and China. This relationship is purely formulated and influenced by a few influential individuals who stand to benefit from doing business with China. The few who are mostly I leadership positions or have direct influence on the American leadership use their positions to influence trade between China and America ignoring the great misconduct of the Chinese leadership. The dictatorial and oppressive nature of the Chinese leadership is worth noting. Bibliography Friends committee on national legislation 2005, U.S., China policy at a crossroads: constructive engagement or hostile containment? Friends committee on national legislation. Mearshemier J 2010, Australians should fear the rise of China. Spectator. Available from http://www.spectator.co.uk/australia/6320273/australians-should-fear-the-rise-of-china/ [25 October 2014] Silverstein K 2008, American Foreign Policy brought to you by China: Advisors to Obama and McCain tie to US multinationals that benefit Beijing. Democracy now! http://www.democracynow.org/2008/8/5/american_foreign_policy_brought_to_you [ 25 October 2014] Read More