The Perils of Isolationism: The World Still Needs America — and America Still Needs the World

This article examines the current global landscape and the challenges the United States faces in relation to China and Russia. It emphasizes that the current situation is not a repeat of the Cold War but rather a more dangerous one. The article explores China’s global ambitions and differences from the Soviet Union, as well as Russia’s desire to restore its empire and its growing alliances with China, Iran, and North Korea. It underscores the importance of the post-World War II liberal order and the need for a new basis for a productive relationship between the U.S. and China. Concerns are raised about the future of globalization and the movement of goods and services due to the growing divide between the U.S. and its allies on one side and China and Russia on the other. The article suggests that the U.S. should resist Russian military aggression, maintain economic pressure on China, invest in defense capabilities and technology, rebuild diplomatic tools, engage with countries in the global South, and counter the rise of populism, nativism, isolationism, and protectionism. A strong and active U.S. presence in the world is seen as crucial for shaping the global order and preventing the triumph of authoritarian powers.