Why Beating China Might Be the US' Wrong Focus
Is every move against China strengthening the US—or is it just making us weaker? Jessica Chen Weiss breaks it down.
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About the Episode
Almost every conversation about China is framed as an all-out competition—but expert Jessica Chen Weiss argues that reflexive rivalry is making America weaker, not stronger. She breaks down why resilience matters more than dominance, how strategic integration protects US interests, and why “beating” China shouldn’t be the ultimate goal.
About the Experts
Professor for China and Asia-Pacific Studies, Department of Government, Cornell University
Jessica Chen Weiss is the Michael J. Zak Professor for China and Asia-Pacific Studies in the Department of Government at Cornell University. Previously, she served as senior advisor to the secretary's policy planning staff at the US State Department on a Council on Foreign Relations fellowship for Tenured International Relations Scholars (IAF-TIRS).
President & Chief Executive Officer, Chicago Council on Global Affairs
Dr. Leslie Vinjamuri joined the Council in 2025 as the president and chief executive officer, after previously serving as director of the US and the Americas program at the Royal Institute of International Affairs, known as Chatham House, in London. She brings nearly 30 years of experience working at the intersection of international affairs, research, policy, and public engagement.
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