zlacker

I’d say foreign policy is complicated, but that’s an understatement. For one thing, US foreign policy often encourages trade with non-democratic countries because strong evidence shows that trade prevents wars. It also produces an educated middle class that desires more freedoms, less corruption, rule or law, and oversight. The theory is that eventually they will demand democratic governance. And, democratic countries don’t declare war on each other.

Ultimately, US foreign policy follows its citizen’s best interests. And, ignoring our occasional knee jerk reactions, most of our citizens are happy when we avoid war, expand individual rights and freedoms, increase trade, and maintain global stability.

China may not work out as expected, though. Who knows. I doubt anyone in the 70s believed that technology would advance far enough to allow an oppressive government to effectively control billions of people. Or, maybe the Chinese people are happy enough with their recently gained wealth that they accept being oppressed.