What theoretical and policy implications and lessons can be drawn from this book? The foundation for a country’s international competitiveness is to be found in its domestic sources, especially its cultural inheritance. This cultural heritage, however, is not fixed but rather evolves with changing socioeconomic environment. There is therefore a reciprocal influence relationship between culture and economic growth. Moreover, culture influences political and social institutions and is in turn influenced by them. Domestic conditions inside both China and the United States affect their governments’ capacity to cope with changing international environment, their ability to undertake innovations and grow their economy, and their relative position in international relations.