Altered states -- Seeking more, finding less -- The "Chindia" challenge -- An energy juggernaught -- Draining the Caspian -- The global assault on Africa's vital resources -- Encroaching on an "American Lake" -- Crossing a threshold -- Averting catastrophe

The US trade war against China in 2018-2019 can either enhance or diminish the US soft power in China, depending on whether it is recognized as legitimate by Chinese citizens. We study how the viewership of US movies--an important element of the US soft power--is affected by the trade war,...