Topic: Cold War
“Illegal immigration should be ended, not mitigated; the border sealed, not reprioritized. Economic engagement with China should be ended, not rethought.”
The effect of “mass deportations” would be economic devastation. By one calculation, deporting 1 million immigrants would lead to 88,000 additional employment losses by other Americans, suggesting that Trump’s program could cost up to 968,000 Americans their jobs on top of the 7.1 million jobs held by immigrants up for deportation.” [Source]
Full contextual analysis of the foreword here.
“…the next President must significantly reorient the U.S. government’s posture toward friends and adversaries alike—which will include much more honest assessments about who are friends and who are not. This reorientation could represent the most significant shift in core foreign policy principles and corresponding action since the end of the Cold War.”
I’m guessing this means we won’t be friends with any “shithole countries”23 any more? Seriously, this will likely result in the United States aligning itself with nations who have dictators Trump has “fallen in love with”24 or admires – Russia, North Korea, Venezuela, Hungary, et al.
Full contextual analysis of Section 2.3: Department of State here.
“The U.S. government needs an Article X for China, and it should be a presidential mandate.”
Article X refers to a 1947 document written by George F. Kennan that laid out the framework for the Cold War. Skinner is arguing for the President declaring a cold war on China without congressional approval. One of the consequences would be economic decoupling (which is no accident, Kevin D. Roberts touches on the idea in the Foreword, and I cover the potential results there.
Full contextual analysis of Section 2.3: Department of State here.
“Strengthen diplomatic pressure (in concert with allies) against Beijing’s abuses. Encourage cultural and intellectual engagement with the Chinese people, remembering that blue jeans and rock ’n’ roll helped to win the Cold War.”
In contrast with Navarro, who argued above that we shouldn’t negotiate with China, we should shut them out, Lassman is going for more of a “you can catch more flies with honey than vinegar” approach.
Full contextual analysis of Section 4.6: Trade here.