CMC In The News

Professor Jack Pitney commented on the likelihood of former Vice President Kamala Harris receiving the Democratic nomination if she were to run for California governor. He predicted that there are “very few” politicians who would want to take her on. This article also appeared in the Concho Valley Homepage and News Channel 8. 

Professor Hilary Appel joined “The Morning” where she discussed what can be expected from peace talks in Saudi Arabia as the U.S. believes Ukraine is looking forward to ending its conflict with Russia. She commented that even as European powers have established new spending plans to support Ukraine, their intelligence capabilities and artillery are subpar to those which U.S. powers have withdrawn. Professor Appel also noted the anxieties Ukraine holds in engaging a ceasefire with Russia, as Ukraine will want to continue upholding defense measures, should Russia choose to not uphold its agreement. 

Professor Jack Pitney commented in a story on navigating the dynamic relationship between President Donald Trump and Governor Gavin Newsom in light of the California wildfires. Pitney stated that Newsom is in a difficult spot, as he is under pressure to attack Trump as a political figure, while he must also appeal to Trump for federal aid to relieve California.

Professor Minxin Pei published an article on the significant decisions Chinese President Xi Jinping must make, which will direct China’s trajectory the decade to come. He wrote about Sino-American tensions, rising tariffs on Chinese imports by Trump, the forecasted tightening of U.S. controls on advanced technology, and the state of China’s fragile economy. He argued that Xi must reshape China’s growth model, shifting to a reliance on exports in household consumption. He also illustrated the major geopolitical decision Xi faces in moderating maritime claims to weaken U.S.-led partnerships that stand a threat to China. Lastly, he will have to favorably discover a way to end the war in Ukraine, while keeping President Trump happy.

Professor Minxin Pei published an article on Chinese President Xi Jinping’s move to partner with dictator Bashar al-Assad last year, which soon collapsed. Professor Pei considers the low level of success Xi has met with in aligning China with other autocratic regimes such as Syria, Iran, and Venezuela, which share in opposition to a U.S.-led world order. He wrote that China’s fondness for autocracy blinds it to the “common flaws” of dictatorships, and should avoid “wishful thinking” when choosing its autocratic partners.

Professor Minxin Pei wrote about the corruption that continues to plague the Chinese military, due to a promotion system that prizes loyalty above competence. 

Professor Jack Pitney was quoted in an article noting the crucial role California played in setting the U.S. House of Representative’s political balance. He noted that Democrats need to pay attention to issues around crime and cost of living, even in states where Democrats hold a majority, because where they had hoped their stronghold in California would carry them into a house majority, their gains were evidently not strong enough. 

Professor Minxin Pei wrote an article on the opportunity China must take the place of the United States in the world as a global leader. As President-elect Trump is bound to apply unilateralist policies, weakening global allies, Professor Pei argued that this will leave a vacuum in global leadership. However, like last time, China will fail to present itself as a “reasonable and convincing alternative.” He attributed this to China’s inability and unwillingness to sustain momentum behind multilateral efforts to combat climate change, promote free trade, protect public health, and more. Furthermore, China is not improving ties with trading partners, and faces a resource deficit. Professor Pei warned of a “world adrift” where, as China fails to fulfill a global leadership role while the U.S. pulls back.

In this article, Professor Minxin Pei cautioned President-elect Trump and Elon Musk against the consequences of fulfilling the role of a governmental revolutionary, undermining a “deep state” and challenging bureaucratic pillars. To illustrate the potential destruction this could bring, Professor Pei recalled the dictatorship of Mao Zedong, which resulted in 1966-1976 Cultural Revolution.

In the wake of President Biden’s last meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping, Professor Minxin Pei wrote about the policy the Biden administration put in place to fund infrastructure, semiconductors and clean energy programs, tighten regulation on tech exports via security ties with allied countries, and isolate China. However, in light of the Trump administration’s unilateralism on trade and Ukraine, and corresponding drawback on the policies Biden progressed, Professor Pei asserted that continuing to strengthen ties with U.S. allies through the progression of Biden’s China policy, is advisable.

Professor Jack Pitney joined “Your Morning,” in reaction to President Donald Trump’s presidential election, to discuss Special Council Jack Smith’s move to step down from his position, what we can expect from the GOP House and Senate Elections, Pete Hegseth as a surprising cabinet pick from President-elect Trump for Secretary of Defense, and Trump’s former campaign manager Susie Wiles, tentative position to serve as Trump’s White House Chief of Staff, which would make her the first woman to ever hold that position. Professor Pitney also discussed Trump’s institution of DOGE, the department of government efficiency, including Vivek Ramaswamy and Elon Musk as members. Pitney clarified that this is an advisory committee, and not a real department, as the institution of a legitimate department requires an act of congress. Lastly, he asserted that Kristi Noem’s prospects for Trump’s vice-president pick are severely diminished following negative publicity received after the incident involving her dog.

Professor Minxin Pei addressed concerns around a trade war with China. He wrote that President-elect Trump’s bigger issues lie in its alliance with Taiwan, which looks to sign a huge weapons deal with the U.S. Professor Pei warned that this could result in a detrimental crisis with China, and grants Trump good reason to tread carefully.

Professor Minxin Pei contemplated the advantages China must gain by buying “insurance” through improving relations with Europe and Japan, should the Trump administration come into power. He noted that to improve ties with Europe, China would need to reduce Russian support, and to improve ties with Japan, concessions on security and territorial disputes would need to be made. 

An article on the upcoming Texas Senate election mentioned the CMC-Rose Institute Poll. The article shared: “A poll from Claremont McKenna College’s Rose Institute of State and Local Government found much the same thing, with Cruz polling at 49% compared to Allred’s 45%. Still, with a margin of error of 3.49 percentage points, the Rose Institute poll shows Allred well within striking distance of his entrenched opponent.”

KNBC-TV political reporter Conan Nolan interviewed former Congressman David Dreier ’75 and Colorado Governor Jared Polis (D-CO) at CMC during the Dreier Roundtable Civility Award ceremony. Gov. Polis provided details on the Disagree Better initiative, which he co-founded with Governor Spencer Cox (R-UT). Gov. Polis explained that he hopes Vice President Harris can bridge the gap between Democrats and Republicans by inviting individuals on both sides into her cabinet, if she were elected President. David Dreier provided additional context on the importance of having a “clash of ideas” with “resolution” when it comes to politics.