A cold war in which both sides carve out autonomous spheres of influence and jockey for power in a bipolar order is highly unlikely. Much more likely is the emergence of a chaotic mélange.

Hostility towards China is the one thing Americans agree on.

Intensified competition will not necessarily lead to a new Cold War.

While some may wish to focus on the narrative of a new Sino-American cold war, this concept is misleading.

The departure of Ambassador Nikki Haley, a strong force for U.S. policies at the UN, illustrates a looming question: as the U.S. withdraws from the multilateral system it built, who will fill the void? China may be next.

How will the Sino-American relationship evolve?

We should learn from history, but not be constrained by it.

As Vice President Pence highlights competition in U.S. policy toward China, others directing this bilateral relationship should be mindful of the utility of cooperation.

It is time to challenge long-held assumptions about the limited nature of Russia and China’s relationship. What we are witnessing is deepening and substantive cooperation, even if it lacks the hallmarks of a traditional treaty alliance.

Pence’s speech only made the U.S. look bad.