YouTube14 Jan 2026

Trump’s National Security Statement: has China won? John Mearsheimer & Kishore Mahbubani

Podcast cover

Switzerland with Tom Switzer

The podcast explores the strategic competition between the United States and China, questioning whether China has gained an advantage. Kishore Mahbubani argues that China's position has grown stronger, especially in manufacturing, while countries are becoming more autonomous and carefully recalculating their national interests. John Mearsheimer counters that China's rise will cause other countries to fear it, leading them to balance against China with the United States. The discussion includes the implications of China's increasing manufacturing capacity, its relationships with Asian countries, and the potential for a U.S.-led containment strategy. The panel also debates the applicability of historical analogies and the importance of spheres of influence in the 21st century.

Outlines

Part 1: Trump's Foreign Policy Framework

Part 2: Strategic Shifts and Great Power Competition

Part 3: Containment and Spheres of Influence

Part 4: Future Outlook and Economic Power

Sign in to continue reading, translating and more.

Open full episode in Podwise