Sure, if their leaders ordered everyone to run East at Noon, they could change the rotation of the earth. Hopefully, that won t be found to be a historic sphere of influence. Perhaps linking China to the world economy will have some moderating effects, but more on the world, it seems. To date a host of reckless aggressive Chinese acts have borne no costs, though we are half their market and have enormous influence. But lack of a firm and resolute position towards Beijing will force those countries into China s embrace faster.
Unopposed aggression grows exponentially.
Carter was pilloried for elevating human rights above real politic, but in the end it s the most essential, crystalline, and viable American ideal.