Fireside Chat With Stephen Kotkin & US House Select Committee on China | Hoover Institution

This episode explores the nature of the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) and the implications for US foreign policy. Against the backdrop of a perceived "second Cold War," the discussion centers on the inherent limitations of the Leninist system, highlighting its inability to sustain political reform without jeopardizing its monopoly on power. More significantly, the guest expert emphasizes that the CCP's ambitions, while initially focused on survival and national rejuvenation, are inherently expansionist, with success fueling further aspirations. For instance, the historical parallels drawn between Hitler's gambling approach and Stalin's opportunistic caution are used to assess Xi Jinping's leadership style and the potential risks associated with his decisions regarding Taiwan. The conversation pivots to the importance of strategic competition, emphasizing the need for a balanced approach that combines military deterrence with robust political messaging to increase the perceived risks for the CCP. Ultimately, the episode concludes by advocating for a renewed focus on strengthening American institutions and investing in domestic capabilities as the key to winning the competition, rather than solely relying on military might. This means prioritizing education, vocational training, and fostering strong alliances to leverage America's unique position as an "alliance superpower."