Decades ago, I used to think that we did not have to enslave the vanquished Japanese. We just got them to make and sell really cheap stuff for us. But then they eased in to making really clever high quality stuff, at competitive prices and we could not get enough of it. China, well they are just better capitalists that we like to give them credit for. (sorry for the BS.)
One of the key ways for lasting peace is increasing socioeconomic dependence, or interdependence. We just need fair trade. Of course people and nations may disagree on what is fair.
Our Amish communities provide an interesting example. They are not ludites, but their mantra is self sufficiency. They will buy that commercial water pump for their community well, but only after they convince themselves that they could have built it themselves, at a higher cost. The US needs greater self sufficiency in many key areas. but we need to be wise about it.
I'm flying the flag today, because I think it will rain tomorrow on Memorial day. The parades and the Great Race Race are cancelled due to Covid-19 concerns. and there is no regional rocket contest to attend. I do not mind buying foreign made goods, but I do try to buy local. And yes, the US government has performed poorly, especially on resource allocation.