Victor Davis Hanson: "Something BIG is Definitely Coming..."

Is the United States underestimating China's sophisticated strategies? Victor Davis Hanson dives into the dangers of China's Machiavellian fusion of free market capitalism and state control under a communist veneer.

In this compelling video, Victor Davis Hanson explores the complex and potent blend of economic and political strategies employed by China. Hanson emphasizes that China's approach combines elements of free market capitalism with rigorous state control, creating a system far more productive and effective than the Soviet Union ever was. This sophisticated fusion has allowed China to emerge as a formidable global power with advanced propaganda capabilities that surpass those of the old Soviet apparatus.

Hanson shares a striking anecdote from his university, where a visiting professor of neuroscience was discovered to be working for the Chinese Communist military. This incident is a microcosm of a larger issue, as the U.S. hosts 380,000 Chinese students, many of whom are connected to high-ranking government officials in China. Even if only 1% are involved in espionage, it represents a significant number of individuals working for the Chinese Communist Party.

Hanson points out that China’s understanding of the United States is profound, often exceeding Americans' understanding of themselves. This knowledge is leveraged to exploit American sensitivities and weaknesses, particularly around issues of race and discrimination. China’s propaganda machine skillfully manipulates American public opinion, exploiting the country’s own media and political narratives to further its goals.

Hanson warns that China's strategy involves interpreting American magnanimity and moral superiority as weaknesses to be exploited. He contrasts this with the American perspective, where constitutional restraint and moral integrity are seen as strengths. The Chinese view these attributes as vulnerabilities and believe that if they had America's resources—such as a larger economy, a powerful military, and leading research institutions—they would exert global dominance more aggressively.

Hanson also criticizes the naivety of the American left, which often buys into Chinese propaganda, believing myths about widespread racism in America, for example. He highlights that the narrative of white Americans attacking Asian Americans is a fabrication, noting that most recorded attacks come from African American youth.

The discussion shifts to economic policies, where Hanson critiques the radical spending of recent administrations. He notes that George Bush, Barack Obama, and Donald Trump all significantly increased the national debt, but Joe Biden's current trajectory is unprecedented. Hanson argues that Biden’s policies discourage productivity and incentivize staying home, while the administration prints vast amounts of money, leading to potential economic instability.

Hanson concludes with a sobering reflection on the revolutionary period of economics we are entering, driven by a belief among elite economists that debt and money are mere constructs. This belief allows for radical economic policies without historical support, posing a significant risk to the nation's financial stability.

Join Victor Davis Hanson as he delves into the intricate and perilous strategies of China, the economic challenges facing the United States, and the urgent need for a more informed and strategic approach to these global and domestic issues.