CHINESE OFFICIAL COMMUNICATIONS OFTEN echo a phrase of President Xi Jinping's about "great changes unseen in a century." Increasingly that line seems less like propaganda and more like a simple statement of a vast transformation in the world order.
This overhaul, years in the making, is taking the clearest shape right now in the Middle East, a region where the U.S. has devoted many resources in the 21st century. In March, China helped arrange a peace deal between Iran and Saudi Arabia, taking the kind of broker role in the region long held by the U.S. Washington currently has no diplomatic ties with Tehran and relations with Riyadh have grown strained.
"We bluster, we threaten, we menace, we sanction, we send the Marines, we bomb," says Chas Freeman, a veteran U.S. diplomat, "but we don't ever use the arts of persuasion."
Freeman was principal interpreter for President Richard Nixon on his visit to China in 1972. The trip ultimately resulted in the U.S. recognizing the People's Republic over Taiwan and the opening of an embassy in Beijing, where Freeman served as deputy chief of mission. Now he tells Newsweek, Washington's "moment of diplomatic glory" is long over. "What has happened is that the American ability to coerce is declining," he says. "We seem to be approaching the world as though we still have an unchallenged authority that we imagined we did at the end of the Cold War."
Many nations are pursuing their own paths, sometimes called "strategic autonomy." The concept remains a hallmark of India's non-aligned foreign policy, even as it improves relations with the U.S. It is also gaining traction with once-close U.S. friends such as Saudi Arabia, and has appeared in comments by French President Emmanuel Macron following his April visit to Beijing.
Bu hikaye Newsweek US dergisinin May 12, 2023 sayısından alınmıştır.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Giriş Yap
Bu hikaye Newsweek US dergisinin May 12, 2023 sayısından alınmıştır.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Giriş Yap
America's Maternity Hospitals 2024
The arrival of a healthy baby brings unparalleled joy. It's no wonder that families welcoming their newest members are looking for high-quality health care to ensure a smooth delivery and reliable postpartum care.
THE WEST SHOULD EXERT EVERY EFFORT TO MAKE RUSSIA PAY THE HIGHEST PRICE POSSIBLE FOR ITS AGGRESSIVE BEHAVIOR
RUSSIA'S FULL-SCALE INVASION of Ukraine in February 2022 awakened the worst memories for Georgians.
RUSSIA'S THREAT TO THE WORLD
As Vladimir Putin begins a fifth term as the nation's president, how safe are other countries from the Kremlin leader?
Nikki Glaser
COMEDIAN NIKKI GLASER NEVER WANTS TO OFFEND. \"I NEVER WANT TO say offensive or raunchy [things] or push the envelope, because that speaks to some kind of comedian who wants to rile people up.\"
Unraveling The Mummy After 25 Years
Its stars thought it would flop. Now a quarter of a century after its release, Arnold Vosloo, Rachel Weisz, Patricia Velásquez and Kevin J. O'Connor reflect on the cult classic
PUBLIC RELATIONS FIRMS 2024
A COMPANY'S ABILITY TO COMMUNICATE with the public is essential. Managing a firm's reputation, driving interest in its products and limiting damage during times of crisis hinge in large part on the abilities of its public relations professionals.
Work Less, Relax More
Millennials are ready for a four-day week. The younger generation wants to work fewer hours
THE INVISIBLE SCARS OF WAR
The ongoing conflict with Russia has left 10 million Ukrainians affected by mental health conditions. Now, a community-led program is giving citizens the tools they need to help them overcome their trauma
'We Are Facing the Most Complex Security Environment Since - World War II'
Japan's prime minister on security, diplomacy and protecting the rule of law at home, in Asia and around the world
Wildlife Crossings Are a Bear Necessity
Safe passages for animals under or over highways are reducing road collisions and could help them to adapt to climate change by seeking out new habitats