Lecture Notes: Around the Horn with Dr. Gerald Horn - April 16, 2025

Overview

• Host: Gerald Horn, author and historian
• Focus on global political dynamics, particularly the US-China relationship.

US Trade War Against China

• Article References:
  • The Atlantic: "Trump's trade war handed China a strategic advantage"
  • InterestingEngineering.com: "China could sink entire US carrier fleet in 20 minutes, Pentagon chief warns"
• Dr. Horn's Analysis:
  • US faces a "poly crisis" as a result of its imperialism.
  • Rise of China and decline of US imperialism is shocking to many Americans.
  • Trade war exacerbates the poly crisis, with China having escalatory dominance.
  • China is reducing reliance on US goods (Boeing planes, Hollywood films, agricultural products).

Political Dynamics and Global Alliances

• China’s Global Influence:

  • President Xi Jinping's Southeast Asia tour (Vietnam, Malaysia, Cambodia) aims to strengthen regional ties amid US tensions.
  • Historical context: Past US-China-Vietnam relations and economic ties.

• Foothills of Fascism in the US:

  • Concerns over US policies resembling early fascism.
  • Controversial policies include deportation of US citizens to prisons abroad.

• President Naib Bukle's Trip to Washington:

  • Disputes over deportations and US policies on El Salvador.

Economic Shifts and Global Influence

• De-Americanization Trends:

  • Countries reducing US economic influence, seeking alternatives from other global powers.
  • European Union's potential role in setting global standards and filling economic gaps left by the US.

• Impact on US Institutions:

  • Harvard University defies Trump's demands, risking a $2 billion freeze.
  • Broader implications for US academic and financial institutions.

US Domestic Policies and Challenges

• Comments from US Vice President Jiddy Vance:

  • Insult towards Chinese people, reflecting broader US insensitivities in foreign policy.

• Weaponizing Anti-Semitism:

  • Allegations against Harvard regarding suppression of harassment claims.
  • Broader implications for Jewish communities in the US.

Final Remarks

• Dr. Horn stresses the importance of understanding historical contexts (settler colonialism, 1776) and warns of ideological disarmament in the US.
• Emphasizes the need for global solidarity and learning from historical lessons.

Key Takeaways

• The world is witnessing significant geopolitical shifts, with China's rise and US's challenges.
• Internal US policies and external global alliances are crucial in shaping future outcomes.
• Historical understanding and global collaborations are key to navigating these changes.