Martin Jacques

London

Author and Columnist at Freelance

Author, 'When China Rules the World', columnist, broadcaster, speaker. Chair of @HariVeriahTrust

Articles

MAGA movement undermines US prestige

4 days ago | globaltimes.cn | Martin Jacques

Illustration: Liu Xidan/GTThe first Trump administration signaled the birth of a powerful new movement in US politics, albeit one that was often incoherent and divided. With the second Trump administration, the "Make America Great Again" (MAGA) movement has come of age, its project is now much clearer. It represents a fundamental rupture in US politics and Western politics more generally. So, what are its key characteristics?
The ‘Tariff Armageddon’ will only isolate US

1 month ago | indianpolitics.co.in | Martin Jacques

By Martin Jacques One of the defining characteristics of US foreign policy since the beginning of China’s reform and opening-up has been its consistent underestimation of China. It never entertained the idea that China could become America’s equal, let alone surpass it. In fact, we have already arrived at the latter scenario. It is this that persuaded the Trump administration that the only solution was to junk America’s post-1945 foreign policy.
The ‘Tariff Armageddon’ will only isolate US

1 month ago | globaltimes.cn | Martin Jacques

Illustration: Liu Xidan/GT One of the defining characteristics of US foreign policy since the beginning of China's reform and opening-up has been its consistent underestimation of China. It never entertained the idea that China could become America's equal, let alone surpass it. In fact, we have already arrived at the latter scenario. It is this that persuaded the Trump administration that the only solution was to junk America's post-1945 foreign policy.
CPC exudes youthful vitality through constant self-reform

2 months ago | globaltimes.cn | Martin Jacques

Illustration: Liu Rui/Global Times How, after nearly 76 years in power, can the Communist Party of China (CPC) be enjoying one of the most memorable periods in its history? Whether a Western government serves a relatively short period in office or a rather longer one, there are two main reasons why it becomes unpopular and loses office: first, it runs out of ideas; and second, the electorate decides it is time for a change.
Europe needs to think afresh about China ties amid US shock

Feb 27, 2025 | globaltimes.cn | Martin Jacques

Illustration: Xia Qing/GT The Donald Trump administration's most dramatic act so far has been to upend US relationship with Europe. The alliance between the US and Europe has been the centerpiece of American foreign policy since 1945, crystallized in the establishment of NATO in 1949, which committed its members, most crucially the US, to defend any member attacked by another country. NATO was never an alliance of equals.
EU’s attitude toward China needs a paradigm shift

Jan 8, 2025 | globaltimes.cn | Martin Jacques

Illustration: Xia Qing/GT The incoming Donald Trump administration will not be a rerun of his first presidency. The incoming administration in the US will possibly mean: the end of post-1945 American multilateralism; a growing gulf between Europe and the US; the end of the Ukraine war; a trade war with China (but not a hot one) which will fail in its objectives; and major pressure on all US allies (European and East Asian) to pay for part of their defense.
US’ blind obsession turns security into its opposite

Oct 10, 2024 | globaltimes.cn | Martin Jacques

US hypocrisy Illustration: Liu Rui/GT The most obvious expression of the new security situation is the fact that two major wars are presently being fought: the Russian action against Ukraine, which began two and a half years ago; and Israel's assault on Gaza, which started one year ago, both of which have resulted in a major loss of life. The US and the EU have played a crucial role in supplying arms to Ukraine, thereby greatly widening the latter's reach and military capability.
China is creating a new form of modernity

Aug 27, 2024 | globaltimes.cn | Martin Jacques

A view of Shanghai Photo: VCGModernization has become one of the great subjects of discussion in China. Ever since the century of humiliation, the quest for modernization had eluded China. By the time of the revolution in 1949, China lagged hugely behind the West. The need to modernize was China's greatest challenge. In the late 1970s, Deng Xiaoping learned from the Asian tigers and the West. His answer was to open up to the rest of the world, most notably the West.
China's outward mentality, commitments remain robust

Jul 15, 2024 | globaltimes.cn | Martin Jacques

Illustration: Xia Qing/ GT In 1978, China made the decision to open up and turn outward. This has been fundamental to China's extraordinary economic transformation over the last four decades and more. The turn outward, we should remind ourselves, represented a rejection of the "socialism in one country" thinking that had shaped Chinese policy after the 1949 revolution. The new approach was hugely consequential.
EU's choice: curbing climate change or China?

Jun 24, 2024 | globaltimes.cn | Martin Jacques

Illustration:Liu Rui/GT It has long been accepted, at least in theory, that climate change poses the greatest threat to humanity. With each passing year, new record heatwaves, devastating floods, deadly fires and rising sea levels have reinforced near-unanimous warnings from climate scientists that our present way of living is fast becoming unsustainable. However, it is one thing to agree in words, but quite another to deliver the policies that will translate those words into effective action.