One of the most depressing things one can do is take a drive through the heart of Gary, Indiana, it really is something to see. Certainly the politicians severely underestimated the ability of China to develop the way that it did.
I agree with your post, however I think my view is in line with Mearshiemer's theory of offensive realism .... America will do what it takes to preserve its hegemony.
The other question can China rise peacefully and the USA decline peacefully?
History supports conflict as the pattern.
The USA has seriously faltered in putting its people first, sad but true, Vance is a much scarier proposition....to me, DT is all over the map and I am no longer convinced he is able to deal with the "swamp" ... "blob" ... 'the security state."