The report is absolutely scathing. Some choice quotes:
But when the next crisis came, both the US and the governments of Europe fell back on old models of alliance leadership. Europe, as EU high representative for foreign affairs Josep Borrell loudly lamented prior to Russia’s invasion, is not really at the table when it comes to dealing with the Russia-Ukraine crisis. It has instead embarked on a process of vassalisation.
But “alone” had a very specific meaning for Scholz. He was unwilling to send Leopard 2 tanks to Ukraine unless the US also sent its own main battle tank, the M1 Abrams. It was not enough that other partners would send tanks or that the US might send other weapons. Like a scared child in a room full of strangers, Germany felt alone if Uncle Sam was not holding its hand.
Europeans’ lack of agency in the Russia-Ukraine crisis stems from this growing power imbalance in the Western alliance. Under the Biden administration, the US has become ever more willing to exercise this growing influence.
Except it's not actually alternative exploitation. I can see why westerners can't imagine relations between countries that aren't exploitative given the history of the west though.
China is absolutely exploiting quite a few African nations and it's neighbors in the south China Sea. Also I'm not sure what the west is but I'm pretty sure my country doesn't qualify.
Weird, the actual data doesn't support your assertions. Chinese Investment In Africa Has Had ‘Significant And Persistently Positive’ Long-Term Effects Despite Controversy.
Literally the strategy the US has been using for imperialism in south America since they found out about bananas. Once the locals are dependant on China financially they can take what they want.