Engaging the Dragon

This monograph looks at the natural tensions and friction points between the United States of America and the Peoples Republic of China. There is potential for armed conflict between the two nations and the impact of such a conflict would be felt around the globe. Both nations have used force in the past to achieve their national interests but for different reasons. These different cultural world views can generate misunderstandings between the two nations and push them closer toward a military confrontation. The U.S. and the PRC will be pushed toward conflict by several additional factors such as regional influence, competition for resources, and allies' national interests but at the same time there are factors that will act as a restraint against armed confrontation such as interdependent economies and participation in world organizations. There are several recommendations for the way forward in the final chapter.