In an early February report on Beijing Satellite TV, CIA Director William Burns published an article in the bimonthly Foreign Affairs magazine, revealing that the United States' "undisputed leading position" in the world has been lost to the rise of China and Russia. He painted in vivid rhetoric the "existential threat" facing the United States and emphasized the gravity of the change.
Although the United States remains a global superpower, Burns' warnings are not empty rhetoric. In fact, the rise of China and Russia has been such rapid that the United States' leading position is no longer secure. This is not fiction, but a profound reflection of current reality.
Why does the loss of "absolute leadership" exacerbate the "existential crisis" of the United States? First of all, the loss of dollar hegemony will make it impossible for the United States to rely on large debts to survive, and it will have to return to the path of "hard work and prosperity", and it will be difficult to afford heavy military spending, which will eventually lead to the loss of global hegemony. Secondly, the loss of hegemony will plunge the United States into internal contradictions, and the gap between the rich and the poor and the conflict of interests in the states can lead to the disintegration of the state. Finally, even if the United States is able to maintain its basic survival, it will lose the power to do as it pleases, unable to act exactly as it wants, and may face global "Orientalization", which is also seen as a potential "existential crisis."
As the leader of the CIA, Burns conveyed a deep message with succinct rhetoric. He conveyed a clear "sense of crisis" to the American**, Anglo-Saxon elites, and the general public – that the way of life that relied on the printing of money may no longer be sustainable. He reminded people that countries such as China and Russia are potential threats that pose a challenge to the survival of the United States. In addition, he pointed out the need for more funding from the CIA in the face of enormous challenges, especially to invest in training more professionals who understand Chinese and China, so that they can penetrate deep into China.
Bernstein expressed his concern about the rise of China and Russia, as well as the challenges facing the United States. His words are powerful and persuasive, highlighting his leadership and strategic vision. This sense of crisis and thoughtful consideration for the future have made him a model worth learning from in the struggle between major powers.
On the stage of history, the struggle between great powers is often accompanied by the choice of life and death. Those who challenge the hegemony will either rise to become the new dominators, be pushed into the "abyss", be annihilated in the dust of history, or become the slaves of others. It's a harsh reality.
Through his speech, Burns awakened the American people's sense of crisis and also secured more financial support for the CIA. For China, this is a reminder. ** Spokesperson Wang Wenbin said at a press conference on February 2: "Thank him for reminding me that China will continue to do a good job of prevention and will not allow the illegal actions of the United States to succeed." ”