Brandstorms

Why Not China?

As the saying goes, "You can grow up to become anything you want."

OK. Does that not apply to nations? If we were really sincere about spreading the word on opportunity, would that not be the case?

Or does it come with a set of pre-conditions?

IF you do business the way we do it here in the USA, and IF you adhere to the methodologies we employ to select those who govern and IF you learn...English, THEN you can grow up to be anything you want to be.

The current Gee, 20! confab is the latest attempt on the part of the ROW (Rest Of World) to confound that rubric. The Australians stand a good chance of illustrating the point. Take their blended red wines, or rather drink them.

By judiciously combining the best of shiraz, cabernet, zinfandel, merlot, even viognier, in perfect proportion, an appealing experience results. Each component has distinct characteristics that contribute to a pleasing compromise, in the best sense of the word.

And so it can be with geo-political influence. Perhaps the epoch of superpowers is passing in favor of a global community. Or maybe China is the next Tiger Woods of planetary pre-eminence. Again, work harder, study more, harness the statistical advantage of fecundity (as Thomas Friedman quoted in "The World is Flat" in China, if you're one in a million, there are 1,300 people just like you. It's now more like 1,450.)

So maybe the epoch of THIS superpower is passing. So what? Are we insecure about the next Number One abandoning everything we've done? Human nature isn't that bankrupt. The world will take what works and change what doesn't. Of course it won't be smooth, and it won't be pretty. The simple fact that our glorious revolution has still left too many people out is evidence that the sculpture isn't finished. That doesn't mean passing the torch must be accompanied by upheaval, violence, cataclysm or shame.

To be fair, the Chinese culture(s) were flourishing thousands of years before Columbus staked Ferdy & Isa's claim. For a number of reasons, they took a break. (See Kennedy's "The Rise and Fall of the Great Powers, 1500-2000.) Or looked elsewhere. They mixed. They matched. They are currently giving a historically flawed, but theoretically viable model a try. They have listened more than they get credit for and have retained more than our comfy zone allows. And they work hard, study hard and are learning to like themselves. So maybe they get a shot.

The one thing we as a nation should try to avoid is an indignant response to China's or anyone else's ascension. That is just not cricket, to use a popular term coined by another former torch-bearer. Chance's are, the good 'ol US of A has a few more 20 win seasons left. We need to win over the current 20 to let that happen.

(Photo by Andrew Testa for the New York Times)