While a good read, like much of Mr. Mahbubani’s work, I find it reads a bit rosy towards the CCP, particularly in regards to attributing problems to the relationship with the US. It simply isn’t accurate to say that no democracies besides the US view the CCP as a threat to their democracy (most do not appear to, but Australia comes to mind, and even the EU’s position is shifting), or that Xi Jinping is well-regarded globally (polling seems to suggest rather the opposite).

The US can hit "pause" on the geopolitical conflict, but will the CCP reciprocate? I don’t see anything to suggest this when it is actually the CCP which has often been in the driver’s seat of ratcheting up tensions in the relationship under Xi.

While dissenting perspectives are always useful and welcome, and his are certainly always well-elaborated, I don’t find this one to hold much weight.