Further Discussion, Summary of Main Arguments, and Future Scenarios

Abstract

The United States should engage rather than contain a rapidly rising China for a number of political, economic, and also cultural reasons. Further, a preliminary discussion based on Game Theory also seems to indicate that should China’s rise continue, as many believe it will, a policy of engagement best serves the long-term interests of the United States, no matter how China may react. In conclusion, in the future, peace across the Pacific will probably depend on the harmonious coexistence of the “Chinese Dream” and “American Dream.” If there is to be a violent conflict in a hazardous scenario, it will probably come out of a failed engagement of China by an unnecessarily impetuous United States; however, an overassertive China may also play a role.