The Lessons of World War II: The Real World Importance of Resisting Hegemony

This year marks the 80th anniversary of the end of World War II. As humanity looks back, commemorates and celebrates the historic victory in the fight against fascism and militarism, it is particularly important to continue to sum up and deepen our understanding of the experiences and lessons of the war.

The Munich Agreement signed by Britain, France and Germany in September 1938 was an important symbol of Anglo-French appeasement in the face of German fascism. Although the Roosevelt administration’s strategy on Adolf Hitler was one that combined appeasement and containment, both prior to and after the signing of the Munich Agreement, it was skewed toward appeasement.

But that appeasement quickly withered in the cold light of day as the Munich Agreement added fuel to Hitler’s arrogance. Once this dawned on him, Franklin Delano Roosevelt reassessed the Munich Agreement in his speech of Oct. 26, 1938: “It is becoming increasingly clear that peace maintained by fear is no more noble or more lasting than peace maintained by the sword. If the rule of law is repeatedly replaced by brute force pretending to be noble, then there can be no talk of peace. If the threat of war is deliberately used as a tool to implement national policy, then there likewise can be no talk of peace.”*

Today, the world is undergoing unprecedented change that is accelerating and evolving in a comprehensive and in-depth way; in complexity, difficulty and severity, the changes far exceed anything before World War II. If the experience and lessons of that war are not enough to guide us in dealing with the current once-in-a-century transformation, they still provide instructive insight. The most relevant lesson is to remember the Munich Agreement and to firmly push back against American hegemony, dominance and bullying because this is the main threat to world peace today.

Donald Trump claimed that he did not start any wars during his first term as president and that he would promote peace during his second term, yet he has been more staunchly supportive of the Israeli government’s efforts to eradicate Hamas than Joe Biden ever was. Worse still are the tariff and trade wars he has launched against U.S. global trading partners — acts of bullying and heavy-handedness not seen in nearly 250 years of American history.

This is no ordinary international economic dispute: It is a serious manifestation of American hegemony’s accelerated decline and, at the same time, it has undermined the global economic and trade system established under U.S. leadership after World War II.

It is also an international economic conflict closely related to the collapse of U.S. domestic political and social systems. Trump has pursued previously unseen levels of unilateralism abroad, subverted the traditional American system of checks and balances, and exacerbated social division and party confrontation at home, pushing the U.S. toward a new civil war.

At its core, Trump’s “Make America Great Again” campaign is aimed at extending his personal power. His unique story has made him keenly aware that, once he leaves the presidency, he will face enormous economic, political and legal risks.

All of this, coupled with the fact that Europe and the Middle East are already embroiled in wars, has resulted in a world that now recalls the period before World War I, in some respects, and the period before World War II, in others. Therefore, as a responsible great power, China must respond to American hegemony, dominance and bullying in a timely and forceful manner. On Trump’s 100th day back in office, the Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs released a video in both Chinese and English entitled “Never Kneel Down!” to global audiences. The video not only expressed the will of the Chinese government and people, but also inspired governments and people around the world.

President Roosevelt once held out a measure of hope for Hitler, reflecting not only a lack of strategic insight, but also a failure to prepare strategically.

Today, the Chinese government’s reasonable and moderate countermeasures against the Trump administration’s hegemony, dominance and bullying do not just demonstrate a profound understanding of the sweeping and transformational global changes taking place, but also showcase China’s thorough strategic preparedness.

The 18th National Congress of the Communist Party of China established a national integrated military-civilian force and steadily advanced related strategic initiatives. And now, China’s overall economic strength — particularly its comprehensive manufacturing system and formidable production capacity — inspires fear in potential adversaries.

China does not seek out trouble, but it is not afraid of it, either. This demonstrates not only will and courage, but also strength and capability. In late 2024 and early this year, China has showcased its advanced fighter jets and world-class artificial intelligence, a prime example of “preparing for a war to stop a war.”

World War II saw the greatest loss of life and wealth in history. Today, we are at a historic crossroads. We must avoid repeating the self-destructive mistakes and steer this era's sweeping changes in the right direction. First, we must establish peaceful coexistence among the world’s great powers. Then, by gradually building a community of common destiny, we can build a brighter future for everyone in the 21st century.

The author is a senior commentator for Ta Kung Pao.


*Editor’s note: This quote, though accurately translated, could not be independently verified.