Summary
As the US midterm elections approach, analysts predict significant challenges for the Republican Party, raising questions about the future of American politics in a post-Trump era. Zach Cooper, a senior fellow at the American Enterprise Institute, examines Donald Trump's evolving relationship with China, noting a shift from a confrontational stance in his first term to a focus on building a constructive relationship during his second term. Despite multiple high-level meetings between Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping, Cooper expresses skepticism about the substantive outcomes of these engagements, suggesting they primarily serve as photo opportunities rather than meaningful diplomatic progress.
Cooper also discusses the implications of Trump's approach to Taiwan, where he has controversially suggested using arms sales as leverage in negotiations with China. This tactic raises concerns about the US's commitment to Taiwan's defense, particularly as tensions in the region escalate. He emphasizes that while the US may intervene in the event of a Chinese invasion, the ambiguity in US policy under Trump contrasts sharply with the more definitive stance taken by the Biden administration.
In terms of New Zealand's relationship with the US, Cooper commends the country's diplomatic strategy of maintaining a low profile while navigating complex geopolitical dynamics. He acknowledges the frustrations New Zealand faces due to US tariffs and the lack of a free trade agreement, but argues that long-term interests align more closely with the US than with China. As the global political landscape shifts, Cooper suggests that countries like New Zealand should strengthen regional alliances while remaining cautious about relying solely on US support, especially given the unpredictability of American leadership.
Show Notes
Zack Cooper is a senior fellow at the American Enterprise Institute and the Sir Howard Kippengerger Chair at Victoria University's Centre for Strategic Studies. He joins Jack Tame in the lead-up to the US' midterm elections, which polling suggests will see the Republic Party seriously dented.
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