[Porterville]

The Soviet Union was lean and starving thus desperate, like a hungry dog. If China fattens up it's economy with real economic growth, and the people share in that fat, China will be more like Japan of today than the Soviets of yester year. Invite the guest to the table of world wealth and they won't be so keen to fight.

[Torie]

That is the "liberal" view which Mearsheimer totally rejects. I tend to agree with you, provided a democratic culture is in place. Wealth (and a huge GNP) alone does not create pragmatic "pacificness." Will China emerge over time as a hegemonic contender as a fascist state (which it largely is now), or a democratic state with democratic values? That is to me that more compelling question. I might have departed this mortal coil before we know for sure. This puppy is about 30 years out from being truly tested.