The last series of articles focused on energy innovation and its role in accelerating human societal development. Nations are becoming more aware of the need to shift from fossil fuel to electricity. They understand that electricity needs to be generated by renewables and ideally by fusion power. Countries are even adapting their infrastructure. This shift, however, is largely driven by concerns over the environment. None of them yet realize how energy innovation has the potential to accelerate their society’s development—with one possible exception.
If there is one country that has a glimpse of the potential of energy to change society, it is China. China already has the world’s largest power grid and is transitioning cars from gasoline to electricity faster than anyone else. China has been a partner in ITER, the international fusion energy program, since 2003. Its ability to adapt and change by government-directed action means it is most likely to exploit rapid adoption. However, China does have limitations as well; and while one might be amazed at its ability to shut-down a city to prevent a disease from spreading, its form of government does have drawbacks.
This series will focus on the rise of China. It is perhaps the best example today of a modern society using historic methods to gain power. In World Leadership, I describe how, historically, societies have risen to power by leveraging one or more of the four sources of leadership power: population, military strength, wealth, or foreign reach. Its population is huge–that is undeniable. China’s “rich nation, strong army” mantra (borrowed from imperial Japan) makes it clear that they are aware of these two power sources. And it is evident that its global strategy focuses on foreign reach. China’s rising status can be attributed to its ability to manage these four leadership power sources effectively.
We will investigate China as the next rising superpower. We will understand its modern-day application of age-old strategies to push itself into a leadership position. We will also discuss its limitations and describe scenarios that could render all of its effort for-naught.
References: Robert Kagan, “Sleepwalking toward war” Washington Post, 7 October 2018, A23; also available at https://www.washingtonpost.com/opinions/this-is-what-sleepwalking-into-war-looks-like/2018/10/05/df272590-c89a-11e8-b1ed-1d2d65b86d0c_story.html
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