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Article
Living in Interesting Times: The Economics of a Chinese Currency Attack
Strategic Studies Quarterly
  • Jeffrey E. Haymond, Cedarville University
Document Type
Article
Publication Date
1-1-2008
Abstract

Several large near-peer competitors, such as Russia and China, have amassed large levels of dollar-denominated foreign exchange reserves. This raises concern that these states could deliberately sell off assets to harm the dollar’s value. Currency attacks have historically been a part of warfare, and the recent advent of nation-states that have large reserves suggests it is possible the United States could face this threat. Contemporary public discussion has often lacked depth and been at one of two extremes: either (1) China could destroy the United States if it chose to sell off its treasuries, or (2) the Chinese would lose so much they would never undertake a currency attack. This article takes a detailed look at China’s economy to determine the plausibility of a currency attack against the United States.

Keywords
  • China,
  • currency
Citation Information
Jeffrey E. Haymond. "Living in Interesting Times: The Economics of a Chinese Currency Attack" Strategic Studies Quarterly (2008) p. 84 - 105
Available at: http://works.bepress.com/jeffrey_haymond/2/