Michael Beckley
Former Research Fellow, International Security Program, 2011–2012
AP Photo
March 2012
"China and Pakistan: Fair-Weather Friends"
Journal Article, Yale Journal of International Affairs, issue 1, volume VII
By Michael Beckley, Former Research Fellow, International Security Program, 2011–2012
Two assumptions dominate current debates on US foreign policy toward Pakistan. First, Pakistan shares a robust "all-weather" friendship with China centered on core national interests. Second, Pakistan's ability to turn to China in times of need insulates it from US pressure and renders hardline US policies counterproductive. Both of these assumptions are mistaken.
Spring 2012
Excerpt from “China’s Century” Why America’s Edge Will Endure”
Newsletter Article, Belfer Center Newsletter
By Michael Beckley, Former Research Fellow, International Security Program, 2011–2012
“Change is inevitable, but it is often incremental and non-linear. In the coming decades, China may surge out of its unimpressive condition and close the gap with the United States," writes Belfer Center ISP fellow Michael Beckley, "[however] the trends suggest that the United States’ economic, technological, and military lead over China will be an enduring feature of international relations, not a passing moment in time, but a deeply embedded condition that will persist well into this century.”
AP Photo
January 2012
"To Stay Ahead of China, Stay Engaged in Asia"
Policy Brief
By Michael Beckley, Former Research Fellow, International Security Program, 2011–2012
"China narrowed the gap in terms of gross domestic product (GDP) and will likely overtake the United States as the world's largest economy sometime between 2015 and 2040. What matters for national power, however, is not gross wealth, but net wealth—the wealth left over after people are clothed and fed. China's 1.3 billion people produce a large volume of output, but they also consume most of it immediately, leaving little left over for national purposes."
AP Photo
December 14, 2011
"Don't Worry, America: China is Rising But Not Catching Up"
Op-Ed, Christian Science Monitor
By Michael Beckley, Former Research Fellow, International Security Program, 2011–2012
"But China is not an emerging superpower in the mold of the Soviet Union, nor is it a great power like early-twentieth century Germany. It is a large developing country and will remain so for the foreseeable future. Americans, therefore, should not fear China. But neither should they shy away from competing with this rising power for influence in Asia."
AP Photo
March 2012
"China and Pakistan: Fair-Weather Friends"
Journal Article, Yale Journal of International Affairs, issue 1, volume VII
By Michael Beckley, Former Research Fellow, International Security Program, 2011–2012
Two assumptions dominate current debates on US foreign policy toward Pakistan. First, Pakistan shares a robust "all-weather" friendship with China centered on core national interests. Second, Pakistan's ability to turn to China in times of need insulates it from US pressure and renders hardline US policies counterproductive. Both of these assumptions are mistaken.
AP Photo
March 2012
"China and Pakistan: Fair-Weather Friends"
Journal Article, Yale Journal of International Affairs, issue 1, volume VII
By Michael Beckley, Former Research Fellow, International Security Program, 2011–2012
Two assumptions dominate current debates on US foreign policy toward Pakistan. First, Pakistan shares a robust "all-weather" friendship with China centered on core national interests. Second, Pakistan's ability to turn to China in times of need insulates it from US pressure and renders hardline US policies counterproductive. Both of these assumptions are mistaken.
Spring 2012
Excerpt from “China’s Century” Why America’s Edge Will Endure”
Newsletter Article, Belfer Center Newsletter
By Michael Beckley, Former Research Fellow, International Security Program, 2011–2012
“Change is inevitable, but it is often incremental and non-linear. In the coming decades, China may surge out of its unimpressive condition and close the gap with the United States," writes Belfer Center ISP fellow Michael Beckley, "[however] the trends suggest that the United States’ economic, technological, and military lead over China will be an enduring feature of international relations, not a passing moment in time, but a deeply embedded condition that will persist well into this century.”
AP Photo
January 2012
"To Stay Ahead of China, Stay Engaged in Asia"
Policy Brief
By Michael Beckley, Former Research Fellow, International Security Program, 2011–2012
"China narrowed the gap in terms of gross domestic product (GDP) and will likely overtake the United States as the world's largest economy sometime between 2015 and 2040. What matters for national power, however, is not gross wealth, but net wealth—the wealth left over after people are clothed and fed. China's 1.3 billion people produce a large volume of output, but they also consume most of it immediately, leaving little left over for national purposes."
AP Photo
December 14, 2011
"Don't Worry, America: China is Rising But Not Catching Up"
Op-Ed, Christian Science Monitor
By Michael Beckley, Former Research Fellow, International Security Program, 2011–2012
"But China is not an emerging superpower in the mold of the Soviet Union, nor is it a great power like early-twentieth century Germany. It is a large developing country and will remain so for the foreseeable future. Americans, therefore, should not fear China. But neither should they shy away from competing with this rising power for influence in Asia."
AP Photo
January 2012
"To Stay Ahead of China, Stay Engaged in Asia"
Policy Brief
By Michael Beckley, Former Research Fellow, International Security Program, 2011–2012
"China narrowed the gap in terms of gross domestic product (GDP) and will likely overtake the United States as the world's largest economy sometime between 2015 and 2040. What matters for national power, however, is not gross wealth, but net wealth—the wealth left over after people are clothed and fed. China's 1.3 billion people produce a large volume of output, but they also consume most of it immediately, leaving little left over for national purposes."
