Chapter 32: The Reemergence of a Wilsonian President (Part II)

Wilson possessed a grand global vision. He approached international affairs not only from the perspective of American interests but from the broader configuration of the world, intervening in complex international disputes with a high moral posture—believing that the United States had an unquestionable responsibility to act—for the sake of world peace. Wilsonianism failed to exert its full power at the time due to the constraints of American public opinion that favored “pulling back,” yet his farsighted international ideals left a profound legacy for later generations.

President Hoover upheld traditional American values, clearly recognized the evil of communism, and regarded Stalin as an implacable enemy. He openly criticized Roosevelt’s alliance with Stalin as a tragedy for humanity. President Eisenhower solemnly stated: “The ultimate goal of the United States is to eliminate the threat of communism for the sake of world peace and human welfare.”

President Ronald Reagan (in office from 1981 to 1989) clearly understood the dangers of Soviet communism. With moral clarity, he denounced the communist “Evil Empire” and committed himself fully to confronting the Soviet communist empire. He spared no effort or resources in developing nuclear weapons to deter the USSR, achieved a decisive victory in the nuclear arms race, and facilitated the collapse of the Soviet evil empire—an achievement of historic magnitude.

There is hope that the United States will soon again produce presidents in the mold of Wilson, Hoover, Eisenhower, and Reagan—leaders with a global vision, capable of discerning the fundamental problems of the world, grasping the larger picture that determines global peace and security, confronting and dismantling the communist threat, and compelling the CCP to abandon communism and transition to constitutional democracy. This would be the greatest blessing for humanity. With its national strength and civilizational prestige, only the United States is capable of accomplishing this. The hope remains that America will continue to serve as the bulwark of peace and happiness for all mankind, resisting communism and preserving world peace.

The CCP rose through deception of the United States. Encouragingly, both major American parties—across government and society—have awakened, are correcting past mistakes, and are now confronting communist evil head-on. The end of communism will require American pressure; as long as the United States remains firm, the CCP will not succeed. Today, a new generation of China specialists has emerged who can clearly see the CCP’s true nature and intentions, recognizing Xi Jinping’s ambition to challenge constitutional democracy with a communist system and to supplant the United States. We are encouraged to see that President Biden has recognized this problem. The United States is overcoming the error of retreat, regaining its resolve, standing tall again, and assuming the great responsibility of a superpower leader.

In addressing China-related issues, the Biden administration has deployed a “combination punch.” This approach reflects a bipartisan consensus in Congress. Observers have noted a telling detail during Biden’s first policy address to Congress. When he mentioned Russia, there was no applause or cheering. When he mentioned Iran, the chamber remained silent. When he mentioned North Korea, again there was no applause. When Biden spoke about combating the COVID-19 pandemic, Democratic lawmakers led the applause while Republicans remained still. Finally, when Biden mentioned China and delivered a tough stance toward Beijing, all lawmakers—regardless of party—rose to their feet in a standing ovation.

Eliminating the communist virus is a global systemic project. It cannot be pursued solely for the interests of the United States, nor can it be accomplished by the United States alone. To eradicate the communist virus, it is essential to protect “antibodies” against it—places like Taiwan. The Biden administration’s Interim National Security Strategic Guidance states that it will support China’s neighbors and commercial partners so that they can make independent political decisions free from coercion. The United States will support Taiwan, a leading democracy and an important economic and security partner, consistent with America’s long-standing commitments. “Supporting Taiwan as a major democratic polity and a key economic and security partner aligns with long-standing U.S. commitments; ensuring that U.S. companies doing business in China do not sacrifice American values; and defending democracy, human rights, and dignity, including in Hong Kong, Xinjiang, and Tibet.”

Biden said: “We can win the competition for the future. But to do so, we must be clear-eyed that it will require historic investments and partnerships. We must protect—protect—the space for innovation, intellectual property, and the creative genius that flourishes through the free exchange of ideas in open, democratic societies. We must ensure that the benefits of growth are shared broadly and equitably, not just by a few.” He continued: “We must push back against the Chinese government’s economic abuses and coercion that undermine the foundations of the international economic system. Everyone—everyone—must play by the same rules. American and European companies must publicly disclose corporate governance and comply with rules to prevent corruption and monopolistic behavior. Chinese companies should follow the same standards. We must shape the rules governing technological advances and norms of behavior in cyberspace, artificial intelligence, and biotechnology so they are used to lift people up, not to oppress them. We must defend democratic values that make these goals possible and counter those who normalize monopoly and repression.”

“We are at a historic inflection point in the defense of democracy and must prepare for long-term strategic competition with China.” “I am sending a clear message to the world: America is back. The transatlantic alliance is back. We are not looking backward—we are moving forward together.” “No country is better positioned than the United States to lead such a future. Doing so requires us to embrace and renew our enduring advantages and to engage the world with confidence and strength. If we do that, and work with our democratic partners, we will meet every challenge and outcompete every challenger. Together, we can and will build back better.”

The United States has long hoped for a president who, like Wilson, possesses a clear understanding of communism. In 2021, such a president did indeed emerge—one hundred years after communism successfully established totalitarian rule. President Biden believes the world now faces a “contest between democracy and autocracy.” The struggle between democracy and authoritarianism lies at the core of U.S.–China relations. Biden has said that Xi Jinping is betting that “democracy cannot keep up with autocracy.” Based on a Marxist materialist view of history, Xi has judged the global balance as “the East rising and the West declining,” believing that China holds an inherent advantage in systemic competition with the West, and that authoritarianism represents the future. From the Fourth Industrial Revolution to global pandemics, he claims that authoritarianism is the most effective path forward. As the writer Bi Ruxie observed, “A Chinese nation that has spent long centuries under imperial rule finds it not difficult to adapt to another frozen season after a brief warm spring. Authoritarian systems summon forth the darker side of human nature, making the development of democratic movements even more difficult.”

In the contest between democracy and authoritarianism, who will prevail? On April 28, 2021, Biden answered this question in his address to Congress. He said: “Can our democracy deliver on its promise that everyone—created in the image of God, all equal—has a chance to live lives of dignity, respect, and possibility? Can our democracy deliver the most urgent needs of our people? Can our democracy overcome the lies, anger, hatred, and fears that have pulled us apart? America’s adversaries—the autocrats of the world—are betting that it cannot. They think we are too full of anger, division, and rage. They saw the mob that attacked this Capitol and thought that was evidence that American democracy is fading. They are wrong. We must prove them wrong. We must prove that democracy still works, that our government still works, and that it can deliver for the people.” In this changed world, democracy can still meet the needs of our people. Totalitarian authoritarianism will not win the future—the future belongs to democracy.

Zhong Wen concludes: At present, America’s greatest responsibility in international politics is to unite democratic nations and promote the transformation of the few remaining totalitarian states in the world. Dismantling totalitarian systems requires not only deconstructing their institutional architecture, but more importantly dissolving their soul—communism. The struggle between communism and liberalism is an asymmetric ideological war. To dismantle communism, one must not only dismantle its totalitarian socialist economic foundations, but also launch a proactive offensive against communist ideology itself. When totalitarian socialism exits the stage of history and communism disappears from the earth, humanity will enter an age of great harmony.