Brian M Downing and the world at war. Timely, thoughtful, and nonpartisan analysis of military matters. @BrianMDowning1.
Brian M Downing The US effort to weaken Iran is failing. It has alienated longstanding allies, strengthened authoritarian rule in Tehran, and shown the limits of American power. The US may now be holding secret talks with Iran that will allow the US to climb down from escalation. If so, Read More …
Brian M Downing Tensions between the US and China are deepening as they vie for influence, markets, and military bases in many parts of the world. Iran, with its oil wealth, strategic position, and large population, is clearly leaning toward China. It has recently signed an agreement on trade that Read More …
Brian M Downing Arms race with US China knows that the US will respond to the rise of its navy and assertiveness. That’s global politics. But just how will the US respond? China may be playing the US here. Washington is unlikely to build more carriers than already in the Read More …
Brian M Downing China has been building up its navy for many years. Army budgets are relatively static but naval vessels continue to roll into the sea from bustling shipyards. Amid rising tensions with Washington, Beijing is hastening construction of its third and fourth aircraft carriers, at least one of Read More …
Brian M Downing Over the last century the United States has played crucial roles in world politics. In World War Two the US supplied the arms, oil, troops, and leadership that defeated Imperial Japan and the Third Reich. America’s respect and relative power in the world reached apogee in 1945. Read More …
Candidate Trump ran on standing up to China, chiefly on trade. New agreements have been hammered out that call for more Chinese purchases of US goods but it remains to be seen if Beijing will live up to them. As accusations fly and tensions increase amid the pandemic, Beijing has Read More …
Brian M Downing The contest with China is on. But how much domestic support can Washington mobilize, especially compared to what Beijing can command? Anti-Chinese sentiment There’s been considerable antipathy toward what was once called Red China since the days of the Cold War. Back then “Beiping” was deemed a Read More …
Brian M Downing President Trump has been critical of China since his 2016 campaign. The attacks are more pronounced now as Covid-19 spreads and another election looms. The election is on and so is a critical geopolitical contest. Economics, politics, and proxies are more central than direct warfare for now. Read More …
Brian M Downing Competition between the United States and China has not been put on hold for the duration. The two rivals are and will be vying for leadership through dissemination of information, promising medical treatments, and economic aid for global recovery one day. Dynamics are underway, on stock and Read More …
Brian M Downing The Spanish Flu of 1918-20 took place at the end of a jarring world war that began the decline of European dominance. The Covid-19 pandemic is taking place amid a deepening contest between China, a rising power, and the United States, today’s sole hegemon. Over the years Read More …