A Critical Analysis of "The Strategic Consequences of Chinese Racism" by the Department of Defense, Office of Net Assessment

Abstract

The Strategic Consequences of Chinese Racism: A Strategic Asymmetry for the United States is a book-length academic research article written by Dr. Bradley Thayer and commissioned by Andrew Marshal, director of the Department of Defense Office of Net Assessment (ONA). Owing to both the significant policymaking power of the ONA, as well as the unique topic of the article, it is the belief of this author that Strategic Consequences is in need of examination by the international community. This paper is the first known academic investigation of Strategic Consequences and seeks to provide a critical lens of analysis. This paper examines the three most significant arguments made by Thayer and cross-examines them against existing datasets and literature to determine their relative degree of veracity. First, this paper examines Thayer’s argument that Chinese society is more racist than U.S. society, and finds that this argument is likely correct. Second, this paper examines Thayer’s argument that Chinese racism acts as a stabilizing force for the Chinese government, and finds that this argument is also likely correct. Finally, this paper examines Thayer’s argument that U.S. anti-racist culture acts as a useful tool of soft-power influence in Africa, and finds that this argument is likely incorrect.