Washington wants a new Cold War…that’s a bad idea.
By Katrina Vanden Heuvel, Counterpunch
As China unleashed live-fire military exercises off the coast of Taiwan, simulating a real “reunification by force” operation in the wake of House Speaker Nancy Pelosi’s ceremonial visit to the island last week, the bipartisan fervor for a new Cold War with China and Russia took greater hold in Washington.

“Leaders in both parties,” Post columnist Josh Rogin reports, “understand that the United States has a duty and an interest in … pushing back against America’s adversaries in both Europe and Asia.” The United States showed that it could take on both China and Russia at the same time, he adds. The Senate voted 95-1 to add Sweden and Finland to NATO. The Taiwan Invasion Prevention Act enjoys bipartisan support. And politicians in both parties scrambled to give the Pentagon even more money than it asked for.
Cold War is America’s comfort zone. We won the last one. We wear the white hats. It’s democracy against authoritarianism. And we’ve got the biggest and best military. Who could object?
But haunting questions remain. Does a new Cold War—taking on Russia and China at once—serve the real security of Americans? Does it further President Biden’s promised “foreign policy for the middle class?” Might most Americans prefer that this country curb our enthusiasm for foreign adventure while focusing on getting our own house in order?
Recent Posts
How The Supreme Court Could Finally Force Big Oil To Face Trial
February 3, 2023
Take Action Now Dozens of cities and states sued oil giants for deceiving the public. The Supreme Court could soon break these cases out of limbo.…
Bill Fletcher: Keep Fighting Till The Lights Go Out
February 3, 2023
Take Action Now A conversation that touches on internationalism, the expanding political role of Black immigrants, and the need for building…
Iran Blames Israel For Last Week’s Attack On Isfahan Military Site
February 3, 2023
Take Action Now Iran asserted its right to defend itself after the failed drone strikes at the military workshop complex in Isfahan late on Saturday…
Majid Khan Released from Guantánamo After 16 Years
February 2, 2023
Take Action Now Mr. Khan is only the sixth man transferred by the Biden administration and the first resettled in a third country. His transfer marks…