Here’s a breakdown of the provided text, focusing on its main arguments and supporting points:
Central Argument:
The text argues that human beings prioritize stability and material advancement over ideological coherence (like democracy) when choosing governance models. This explains China’s growing global influence, even though it scores lower on democratic trust than the united States. The US, by failing to deliver tangible improvements and by being perceived as a threat to democracy itself, is losing its global standing.
Key Supporting Points:
China’s belt and road Initiative (BRI): Launched in 2013 with promises of infrastructure progress in 70 countries, it’s presented as a successful long-term strategy that is now yielding “fruits” for China, despite initial Western criticisms of neocolonialism. Perception of Influence vs.Democratic Trust:
China scores lower than the US in “democratic trust” (29% vs.38%).
However, china surpasses the US in “Positive influence” by three points.
This is presented as evidence that people value tangible benefits over ideological alignment.
Critique of Western Approach (specifically Trump’s):
Kyle Chan, a Princeton researcher, criticizes Trump’s focus on short-term solutions like tariffs, arguing it undermines US strength and accelerates China’s rise.
The conventional Western view that people are organized by values (freedom) is contrasted with the idea that people are organized by interests (stability, prosperity, then freedom). Samuel Huntington‘s Theory: The text references Huntington’s idea that liberal democracy must deliver tangible improvements to everyday life to win hearts. When it fails (e.g.,violence,degraded institutions),people seek alternative governance models.
US Perceived as a Threat to Democracy:
In 2025, a notable majority (52%) of respondents identified the US as a threat to world democracy, more than China (48%) or Russia (46%). This is framed as an “existential crisis” for American foreign policy, as the self-proclaimed defender of democracy is now seen as its greatest threat.
Factors Accelerating US Decline and China’s Rise:
The situation in Gaza.
Donald Trump’s inability to end the war in Ukraine.
China’s positioning as a potential mediator in current conflicts.
Overall Tone and Implication:
The text is critical of the current state of American foreign policy and its perceived decline in global influence. It suggests that the West’s ideological focus is a weakness compared to China’s pragmatic approach to delivering material benefits.The implication is that the world is shifting towards a China-dominated order due to the US’s own missteps and China’s successful long-term strategies.
