Faultlines explains rifts and red lines in the U.S.-China relationship. The two nations differ in how they see economic, military, cultural, and governance issues, but was this always the case? By examining the view from both sides of the faultline, we can piece together how we got here and where we’re going next.
Culture
Rather than enjoy the two-way flow of cultures, both the U.S. and Chinese governments see the other’s cultural products as intrusions or even security threats. Journalist Viola Zhou and Professor Zhifan Luo explain why both governments see cultural issues as national security risks, and how ordinary citizens get caught in the clash.
Deterrence
Can deterrence establish lasting peace? Both the United States and China employ the strategy of preventing an opponent from acting by instilling fear of the consequences against each other. Oriana Skylar Mastro and Joel Wuthnow discuss the U.S. and Chinese views on how to avoid the red lines in U.S.-China competition.
Military Modernization
China’s new military might is reshaping the scene in Asia, unsettling the role the United States has held since World War II. Olivia Skylar Mastro and Joel Wuthnow unravel how the U.S. and Chinese militaries stack up against each other in Asia.
Global Governance
Who decides how the world is run? Esther Brimmer and Olivia Cheung explore why the United States and China clash so intensely on their visions for the future of global governance, and possibilities still open for a collaborative future.
Economy
The United States and China want to continue their economic dominance and both countries, for different reasons, view the other as their greatest competition or even threat. Wendy Edelberg and Ka Zeng discuss the differing U.S. and Chinese perspectives on trade, industry, foreign investment, and economic influence.