US Security Strategy Echoes Imperial Chinese Worldview

The new North American National Security Strategy document presents a worldview that evokes the classical conception of Chinese imperial power. The text is characterized by a ubiquitous Chinese presence that shapes its content and form, described as a document full of contradictions where opposing statements are made without shame or nuance. It proclaims a predisposition toward non-interventionism, except when national interests dictate otherwise, as recently occurred in Venezuela.

The strategy asserts there is 'nothing incoherent or hypocritical' about maintaining close relations with authoritarian regimes while accusing Europeans of damaging democracy. Under these internal contradictions lies the guiding principle of America First, which recalls the Chinese imperial concept of Tianxia ('all under heaven'). This worldview manifests in a system of concentric circles of influence defined by proximity to the civilizational core, where the Empire occupies the dominant position and the periphery contains barbarian peoples. Foreign relations respond to the logic of symbolic vassalage, with the Emperor as the ultimate source of authority above any principle of legality or rule of law.

The National Security Strategy document is described as being plagado de contradicciones (plagued with contradictions), where one thing and its contrary are stated without nuance. The text appears at times as a collection of disconnected fragments, a set of scraps of declarations, loose ideas, and generalities without continuity.

Specific policy positions within the document include:

• A proclamation of predisposition toward non-interventionism
• Exceptions to non-interventionism when national interests dictate, specifically citing recent events in Venezuela
• Maintenance of close relations with authoritarian regimes while accusing European allies of damaging democracy

The document asserts there is 'nothing incoherent or hypocritical' about these dual approaches to foreign relations. This creates a framework where the administration maintains strategic flexibility while criticizing traditional allies for their democratic approaches.

Despite internal contradictions, the document operates under the guiding principle of America First. This vision occasionally recalls the classical conception of Chinese imperial power, specifically the ideas of the Mandato del Cielo (Mandate of Heaven) and Tianxia ('all under heaven').

These historical concepts conceived of the Emperor as the legitimate center of a hierarchical world order. The modern application manifests in a system of concentric circles of influence defined by:

1. Geographic proximity to the core
2. Cultural affinity with the civilizational center
3. The dominant position of the Empire
4. The peripheral status of 'barbarian' peoples

Under this framework, the Emperor serves as the ultimate source of authority, positioned above any principles of legality or the rule of law. This creates a structure reminiscent of the Leviatán despótico (despotic Leviathan) described by Nobel laureates Acemoglu and Robinson, where power is exercised through law emanating from the ruler's person rather than constitutional principles.

The document reveals specific personnel influences within different regional sections. The Latin America section bears the imprint of Secretary of State Marco Rubio, suggesting his direct involvement in shaping policy toward the region.

Conversely, the passages concerning Europe reflect the inaquina (animosity/bitterness) of Vice President Vance. This indicates a more adversarial stance toward European allies within the administration's strategic thinking.

These distinct regional fingerprints contribute to the document's fragmented appearance, functioning as a collection of disconnected pieces that reflect the competing priorities and perspectives of key administration officials rather than a unified diplomatic vision.