Will the Balance of Power tip to China?

On the way to work the other morning I listened to this fabulous IT Conversations podcast done by Dr. Moira Gunn of Tech Nation (the National Public Radio show). It was an interview by Dr. Gunn with professor Oded Shenkar, Ford Motor Company Chair, Global Business Management, Ohio State University, and the author of, “The Chinese Century — The Rising Chinese Economy and its Impact on the Global Economy, The Balance of Power and Your Job.”

They discussed the rise of China and some interesting connections he’s made about the seeming inevitability that the United States and other Western states reigns as superpowers (or major economic powers) will soon be over.

How feasible is this premise?

Take a look at the video below. It’s amusing to view but then think about the euphoria that existed within the automobile industry in 1960 (“What’s good for the country is good for General Motors, and vice versa.” Charles Wilson (Head of GM, 1941-1953)). Then connect the dots between how it was and about what’s already happened in just one (albeit huge and visible) industry through the efforts of a tiny country (Japan) with limited people and resources: the United States’ lead in automobile production is over. Toyota has already surpassed the Ford Motor Company as the world’s #2 car maker.

China is not far behind. People, capital, and joint ventures with 50-50 ownership is allowing China to accelerate their position in the world economically. What other industries will they soon dominate?

The 1960 “The Wonderful World of Ford” new car introduction film…