Adam Tooze: »This Is Not a Drill«

German economic historian Adam Tooze cautions against framing China's economic actions solely as destructive market "flooding." Instead, he characterizes China's approach over the past 15 years as a highly focused industrial policy, driven by a materialist, quasi-Marxist Realpolitik worldview. Tooze argues that China fundamentally believes a nation's destiny is tied to its technological capabilities.

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Terms like 'flooding' and 'destroying' are too negatively charged for me. I would put it this way: China has been pursuing a very targeted industrial policy for 15 years.

This perspective aligns with China's long-term national objective, which it openly pursues: the "great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation." Tooze points out that slogans like "Made in China 2025" are not dissimilar to Germany's own domestic discussions around "Industry 4.0," suggesting a shared, albeit differently executed, ambition for industrial leadership.

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The Chinese are convinced that the destiny of nations is determined by their technological capabilities. From their perspective, a century-long project is currently being implemented, the 'great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation,' and China has never made a secret of it.

Tooze's analysis suggests that China's actions are part of a deliberate, century-long project. The historian, who teaches at Columbia University and edits the economic magazine "Surplus," is preparing to release a new book on global climate policy. His insights challenge simplistic interpretations of international trade dynamics, emphasizing strategic national ambitions.

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The slogan 'Made in China 2025' is strongly reminiscent of the German debate about Industry 4.0.