On a variety of levels–political, economic or even military–confrontation between the United States and China during the course of this century seems probable. Explaining first the background and the reasons for possible conflict, and their foreseeable consequences, this article argues that only a strong and influential Europe, given the current global balance of power, is capable of arbitrating the encounter and averting a disastrous outcome.
European Defence-a Way to Avert a Sino-American Tragedy
The defeat of Soviet totalitarianism liberated massive forces that were imperceptibly gathering momentum at the end of the last century. Relentlessly, these forces are escalating tension towards a new global tragedy. On one side we see the advance of the United States of America, hostage to a history and an economy that are both committed to expansion. On the other waits China, immured behind its impenetrable geography and culture. The irresistible American force will confront the immovable Chinese object. This encounter will engulf the whole planet before the end of this century, unless the will emerges to deflect the protagonists from their tragic destiny. Europe, with its political sophistication and economic strength, is best placed to exert such an influence, if it assumes the task. Before it irretrievably loses its military power and historic influence, France can play a vital role in this scenario over the next two years.
American Entropy
In the beginning, the American people were individuals eager to escape from political, religious, social or economic restrictions so that they could live life as they wished. Merged into groups by ad hoc alliances, they conquered their territory by force and movement, sure of the superiority of their faith in the future over all other forms of civilisation. In their meagre baggage they carried with them the technological and intellectual seeds of capitalism and these they disseminated within a physical and mental space that matched their vision, exclusively in the service of the nation that was emerging around them.
This deep-seated predilection for change and action, this subjective pragmatism, this lack of doubt about the legitimacy of the use of force in the service of the cause, this primacy of national economic interest, have all shaped American history and continue to do so today. These characteristics are at the origin of all their great commitments, especially those of the last century. They of course motivated the invasion of Iraq, transcending the pretext of terrorism.
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