How Do US-China Relations Remind Us Of The Cold War?

Let’s hear a little story, shall we? In the 1950s to 1970s, the US and the Soviet Union (now Russia) were in a tussle for who had the biggest weapons. In addition to this contest, both nations operated ideologies that were worlds apart from each other. This struggle for who is the biggest nation will later lead to terrible hostilities.

Like two college boys fighting for the love of a young lady, both countries set out to outdo themselves. Historians call this period the Cold War. In essence, they were fighting, but they weren’t really fighting at the same time. Consider it as a silent war without anyone directly attacking each other.

If you thought that period is over, think twice. Cold war symptoms currently exist between two of the world’s biggest economic powers – The United States and China. The current tussle is a trade war. In essence, both countries tackle each other with economic strength. Very often, both nations limit imports from one another.

While Washington and Beijing both fight over who can impose the biggest tariffs, we can see something similar to the Cold War era. Notably, the US-China trade war reminds everyone of how powerless international organizations are when big countries battle.

Just like in the Cold War era, the warring nations bring their dirty linens to the global scene. They both let their alliances determine appointments to international positions. Also, both nations are establishing strongholds in weaker countries to spite each other. And while it all seems to be normal, these are cold war tactics we couldn’t but help point out.