Review – New Cold Wars

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The New Cold Wars: China’s Rise, Russia’s Invasion, and America’s Struggle to Protect the West
By David Sanger
Penguin Random House, 2024

David Sanger’s new book presents a timely analysis of the emerging challenges of US foreign policy, framing contemporary tensions with China and Russia as a reincarnation of Cold War dynamics. Although Sanger brings a wealth of journalistic experience and insider knowledge to his analysis, his reliance on the Cold War metaphor oversimplifies the complexities of the current global environment.

In The New Cold WarsSanger joins scholars such as Hal Brands and Niall Ferguson, who suggest that US foreign policy should be informed by Cold War structures in order to deal with China’s growing influence and the resurgence of Russian aggression. Sanger draws parallels between the early Cold War and today’s global climate by pointing to common themes: the decline of globalization, the rise of nationalism, the return of proxy wars, and growing nuclear threats. His argument is bolstered by alarming statistics—he cites former CIA Director Robert Gates, who warns that the nuclear arsenals of Russia, China, North Korea, and Iran may soon not double the size of the US stockpiles.

At the heart of Sanger’s analysis is the proposition that the US is involved in a new kind of Cold War, defined by a more dangerous and multifaceted global conflict. This is not the bipolar contest between democracy and communism that shaped the 20th century but a struggle that pits the US against two enemies with different, but complementary, strategic goals. China, according to Sanger, is increasingly assertive in the South China Sea and in economic access to the world, while Russia has pursued military violence with its ongoing invasion of Ukraine. In Sanger’s view, this conflict is eerily reminiscent of the flashpoints of the Cold War, and US power continues to be challenged on many fronts.

However, although Sanger offers an insightful critique of the current state of US foreign relations, his framework fails to fully grasp the complexities of contemporary global politics. Another major difference between today and the Cold War era is the nature of alliances. The rigid ideological frameworks that defined the Cold War gave way to a much broader and more effective relationship. China and Russia may be strategic partners, but their cooperation is not driven by a shared commitment to remake the world order in their image. Rather, their cooperation reflects common interests, especially in the fight against Western hegemony. Similarly, their cooperation with countries such as Iran and North Korea is driven by practical concerns rather than the ideological solidarity seen during the Cold War.

Sanger acknowledges these nuances at times, acknowledging that the rivalry between the US and its adversaries is more complex than Cold War ideological positions. For example, he cites the White House’s view that US support for Ukraine is more similar to its support for Britain during World War II than to conditions during the Cold War. However, despite this recognition, Sanger often frames himself in the framework of the Cold War, which limits the analytical depth of his work.

In addition to oversimplifying global change, Sanger’s book also underestimates the increasing importance of economic and technological competition. Today’s major power struggles are as much about technological dominance—especially in areas like semiconductors, cybersecurity, and artificial intelligence—as they are about military power. Sanger touches on these themes, especially in his discussion of cybersecurity, but the emphasis is on traditional military and geopolitical contests.

That said, Sanger provides a set of conceptual policy principles to address these challenges. He advocates sensible strategies such as driving the border between Russia and China, revitalizing NATO, investing in cybersecurity, and avoiding unnecessary provocations with China over tariffs and sanctions. These recommendations are based on practical concerns and do not rely on a Cold War framework to be effective.

Finally, when The New Cold Wars is an engaging and informative read, especially for those interested in US foreign policy, hampered by its reliance on Cold War metaphors. Sanger’s clear journalistic storytelling brings important details to the surface, but the framework she uses is insufficient to understand the multi-faceted power struggles shaping the world today. As the global order evolves into a multi-layered system, governed by complex interdependencies and dynamic relationships, the binary metaphor of the Cold War seems inadequate. Sanger’s analysis captures the material of the present but fails to provide a new vocabulary to navigate the challenges of the 21st century.

In conclusion, The New Cold Wars it provides valuable insight into the strategic issues facing the US today, but ultimately oversimplifies the nature of today’s world. The rise of China and the re-emergence of Russia undoubtedly pose serious threats, but framing these challenges as a “new Cold War” undermines the fluid, multipolar and multidimensional nature of contemporary geopolitics. For policy makers and academics alike, a multi-pronged framework will be needed to address the complexities of today’s international system.