The U.S.-China Rivalry: A Cultural Exchange for Geopolitical Advantage
The ongoing rivalry between the United States and China is often framed in terms of military might, economic power, and technological innovation. However, Dan Wang, a researcher who has spent significant time in both countries, suggests that the real advantage may lie in cultural exchange. In his new book, Breakneck: China’s Quest to Engineer the Future, Wang argues that while China has evolved into an engineering powerhouse, the U.S. has become a society focused on legal frameworks and procedures. This dichotomy raises an intriguing question: could both nations benefit from adopting elements of each other’s cultures?
Similarities Beneath the Surface
Wang begins his exploration by asserting that “no two peoples are more alike than Americans and Chinese.” At first glance, this claim may seem counterintuitive, given the stark differences in governance, social structure, and cultural norms. However, Wang points to a shared "hustle culture" that characterizes both societies. Both Americans and Chinese are driven by a desire for rapid progress, often seeking shortcuts to health and wealth. This dynamism, he argues, sets them apart from more orderly societies like those in Europe and Japan, which tend to focus on perfectionism and process improvement rather than innovation.
The Engineering State of China
Wang describes China as an "engineering state," a concept rooted in its historical governance. Since the era of Deng Xiaoping, engineers have risen to the top of the Communist Party, shaping policies that prioritize construction and optimization. This engineering mindset has led to unprecedented infrastructure development, including highways, high-speed rail, and massive power plants. For instance, in just a few decades, China has built an extensive network of highways, rivaling that of the United States, which took much longer to develop.
However, this relentless focus on building has its downsides. Wang highlights the one-child policy and the recent zero-COVID measures as examples of how an engineering approach can lead to social overreach. The Chinese government often treats societal issues as engineering problems, which can result in policies that fail to consider the complexities of human behavior.
The Lawyerly Nature of the U.S.
In contrast, Wang characterizes the United States as a "lawyerly society." This legalistic approach has deep historical roots, with many of the Founding Fathers being lawyers. The U.S. legal system is designed to prevent abuses of power, but it also creates significant barriers to progress. Wang notes that while this system protects rights and prevents draconian measures, it also stifles infrastructure development. For example, the U.S. has struggled to build high-speed rail systems, bogged down by litigation and procedural hurdles.
Wang illustrates this point by comparing the current state of American rail travel to that of a century ago. Despite advancements in technology, travel times have not significantly improved, highlighting the inefficiencies of a system that prioritizes legal concerns over practical solutions.
The Trade-Offs of Each System
Both the Chinese and American approaches have their merits and drawbacks. Wang acknowledges that while China’s engineering state has delivered rapid improvements in infrastructure and connectivity, it often overlooks the importance of individual rights and social welfare. Conversely, the U.S. legal framework, while protective, can hinder necessary progress and innovation.
Wang suggests that both countries could learn from each other. The U.S. could benefit from adopting a more engineering-oriented mindset to address pressing infrastructure needs, while China could incorporate more legal safeguards to protect individual rights and public interests.
The Future of U.S.-China Relations
As the competition between the U.S. and China continues to evolve, Wang posits that the future will depend on how well each country can adapt and learn from the other. He emphasizes that both societies possess a unique capacity for dynamism and change, which could lead to innovative solutions to contemporary challenges.
Wang concludes that the rivalry is not merely a geopolitical contest but a philosophical one, where the ability to adopt beneficial traits from the other could determine success in the 21st century. The challenge lies in finding a balance that allows for both progress and protection of rights, ensuring that neither country loses sight of its core values while striving for advancement.
