Q. “The USA is facing an existential threat in the form of a China, that is much more challenging than the erstwhile Soviet Union.” Explain.

Model Answer: 

USA’s Existential Threat: China vs Soviet Union

The USA faces an existential threat from China that surpasses the challenge posed by the Soviet Union during the Cold War. This comparison can be analyzed through several key aspects:

Economic Power and Global Influence:

• China: Second-largest economy, extensive global trade networks
• Soviet Union: Centrally planned economy, limited global economic impact
• China’s advantage: Belt and Road Initiative, economic interdependence with the US

Technological Advancements:

• China: Leading in 5G, AI, quantum computing
• Soviet Union: Focused mainly on military and space technology
• Current scenario: Broader technological competition across multiple domains

Military Capabilities:

• China: Rapidly modernizing military, expanding naval presence (South China Sea)
• Soviet Union: Nuclear arms race, conventional military standoff
• China’s approach: Asymmetric warfare capabilities, cyber warfare

Ideological Challenge:
• China: Authoritarian capitalism, “socialism with Chinese characteristics”
• Soviet Union: Communist ideology, clear ideological divide
• China’s model: More appealing to developing nations (e.g., Ethiopia, Pakistan)

Global Governance:
• China: Increasing influence in international institutions (UN, WTO)
• Soviet Union: Parallel systems, limited engagement with Western-led institutions
• China’s strategy: Reshaping global norms from within existing frameworks

Soft Power Projection:
• China: Cultural exports, educational programs (Confucius Institutes)
• Soviet Union: Limited cultural appeal beyond communist states
• China’s reach: Broader global audience, leveraging economic ties

Conclusion: China’s multifaceted challenge, intertwined with the global economy and institutions, presents a more complex existential threat to the USA than the Soviet Union did.