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Shadi Hamid on the Case for American Power

Sam Mace's avatar
Sam Mace
Jan 11, 2026
Cross-posted by Theory Matters
"Dear all, here's a Substack conversation I did with the political theorist Sam Mace on American power, whether China is actually rising (not really), and whether hypocrisy might be a good thing. I argue that China's successes have been wildly overstated, which leads us to misjudge our own supposed decline. Being an autocracy, China's political system is fundamentally misaligned with human nature, which gives the U.S. a key advantage over the medium to long run. Sam pushed me on some key points. Really enjoyed the conversation. If you're interested, please do check it out! "
- Shadi Hamid

This is my conversation with the wonderful Shadi Hamid about his new book, The Case for American Power, which you can buy here. During this discussion, Shadi and I discuss his newest book, the role that hypocrisy plays, whether China is China really rising, and the question of wider morality in foreign policy.

Attached below are some links to useful pieces reflecting on these questions and the book itself.

Shadi Hamid on Wisdom of Crowds- The Lost Battle for a Certain Idea of America

Wisdom of Crowds
The Lost Battle for a Certain Idea of America
I suppose I have a tendency towards masochism. At a difficult time in our history, when so many are losing faith, I took it upon myself to lay out the case for American power — for an America that proudly shoulders global responsibilities and takes it distinct moral mission seriously not just at home but abroad. It is an unpopular case to make, to put i…
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7 months ago · 18 likes · Shadi Hamid

Benedict Beckeld- Oikophobia: Our Western Self-Hatred

https://quillette.com/2019/10/07/oikophobia-our-western-self-hatred/