El Emperador Desnudo

A Thought Experiment in Soft Power What if China chose to lead the free world? It is not entirely unthinkable. Imagine Beijing offering formal support to Ukraine, condemning Russia’s invasion, and providing military assistance and intelligence. At the same time, it could ease tensions over Taiwan, acknowledge the island’s right to self-determination, and rebuke American manoeuvres in Greenland—perhaps even pledging to defend the island, should Washington ever attempt something rash. Such a move would cost little, score enormous symbolic points, and highlight the growing incoherence of American foreign policy. Yet it is unlikely. China’s strategic nationalism remains deeply entwined with domestic politics, and Taiwan’s status is less a rational interest than a national myth. Still, the opportunity is there. At a time when the United States is increasingly hesitant to champion the liberal order it once built, a vacuum of global moral authority is forming. China could exploit it—not by ab...