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Crouching Tiger: What China's Militarism Means for the World
Will there be war with China? This book provides the most complete and accurate assessment of the probability of conflict between the United States and the rising Asian superpower. Equally important, it lays out an in-depth analysis of the possible pathways to peace. Written like a geopolitical detective story, the narrative encourages reader interaction by starting each chapter with an intriguing question that often challenges conventional wisdom.Based on interviews with more than thirty top experts, the author highlights a number of disturbing facts about China's recent military buildup and the shifting balance of power in the Chinese are deploying game-changing "carrier killer" ballistic missiles; some of America's supposed allies in Europe and Asia are selling highly lethal weapons systems to China in a perverse twist on globalization; and, on the U.S. side, debilitating cutbacks in the military budget send a message to the world that America is not serious about its "pivot to Asia."In the face of these threatening developments, the book stresses the importance of maintaining US military strength and preparedness and strengthening alliances, while warning against a complacent optimism that relies on economic engagement, negotiations, and nuclear deterrence to ensure peace.Accessible to readers from all walks of life, this multidisciplinary work blends geopolitics, economics, history, international relations, military doctrine, and political science to provide a better understanding of one of the most vexing problems facing the world.
336 pages, Hardcover
First published November 3, 2015
99 people are currently reading
513 people want to read
About the author
Peter Navarro
49 books117 followersA Professor of Economics and Public Policy at the Paul Merage School of Business, University of California, Irvine and holds a Ph.D. in Economics from Harvard University. He received several teaching awards in 2010 for the MBA programs that he teaches.
Navarro ran for office in San Diego, California, three times. In 1992, he ran for mayor, winning the primary race, but losing to Susan Golding in the runoff. In 1996, he ran for the 49th Congressional District, but lost to Republican Brian Bilbray. In 2001, Navarro ran in a special election to fill the District 6 San Diego city council seat, but lost in the primary.
Navarro ran for office in San Diego, California, three times. In 1992, he ran for mayor, winning the primary race, but losing to Susan Golding in the runoff. In 1996, he ran for the 49th Congressional District, but lost to Republican Brian Bilbray. In 2001, Navarro ran in a special election to fill the District 6 San Diego city council seat, but lost in the primary.
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Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews
June 19, 2017
Crouching Tiger is the 4th book I've completed this spring to help inform me about the increasing competition between China and the U. S. and the real dangers of conflict in the western Pacific. Peter Navarro's focus is on the military buildup underway in China and their usurping of scattered island groups in order to create a defensive shield, all of it made possible by their huge economic gains in the last 25 or 30 years.
Navarro writes what everyone else is writing, or at least what I'm reading. There's a concern that a real danger of conflict exists. But Crouching Tiger is organized differently than other studies. It's presented in short chapters, each of them dealing with a specific issue--military budgets, for instance, or the feasibility of a "grand bargain" with China. The chapters begin with questions which the text answers. As you might expect, this use of concisely written explanations to specific questions (there are 45 of them) neatly isolates the many issues and makes their understanding easier.
His assessment, like the others I've read and am reading, is sobering. The Chinese sense of having endured a century of humiliation at the hands of the west coupled with the American unwillingness to give up its primacy as the leader of liberal order in the western Pacific may make some kind of confrontation inevitable. He spends some time discussing the now famous Thucydidean Trap, the idea 1st written about 2500 years ago during the Peloponnesian War in which an established power (Sparta) resists the rise of a new one and its threat to its primacy (Athens). That political dynamic has arisen many times in history and is said to exist today in the western Pacific.
Navarro's emphasis is on the militaries. But he explains that China hopes to win by soft power, by a war of comprehensive national power in which the strength of its economy, the skill of its labor force, its stable political system, its unlimited natural resources, the quality of its education, technological innovation and the strength of its political alliances overwhelm a weakened America and convince it that military force is useless. The final point in the important Chapter 41 is that the perception in the region is that America doesn't have the capacity at present to enforce the rules we have been the caretaker of all these decades. Sixteen pages later Navarro reminds us that weakness always invites aggression. This is unsettling reading but enormously informing.
Navarro writes what everyone else is writing, or at least what I'm reading. There's a concern that a real danger of conflict exists. But Crouching Tiger is organized differently than other studies. It's presented in short chapters, each of them dealing with a specific issue--military budgets, for instance, or the feasibility of a "grand bargain" with China. The chapters begin with questions which the text answers. As you might expect, this use of concisely written explanations to specific questions (there are 45 of them) neatly isolates the many issues and makes their understanding easier.
His assessment, like the others I've read and am reading, is sobering. The Chinese sense of having endured a century of humiliation at the hands of the west coupled with the American unwillingness to give up its primacy as the leader of liberal order in the western Pacific may make some kind of confrontation inevitable. He spends some time discussing the now famous Thucydidean Trap, the idea 1st written about 2500 years ago during the Peloponnesian War in which an established power (Sparta) resists the rise of a new one and its threat to its primacy (Athens). That political dynamic has arisen many times in history and is said to exist today in the western Pacific.
Navarro's emphasis is on the militaries. But he explains that China hopes to win by soft power, by a war of comprehensive national power in which the strength of its economy, the skill of its labor force, its stable political system, its unlimited natural resources, the quality of its education, technological innovation and the strength of its political alliances overwhelm a weakened America and convince it that military force is useless. The final point in the important Chapter 41 is that the perception in the region is that America doesn't have the capacity at present to enforce the rules we have been the caretaker of all these decades. Sixteen pages later Navarro reminds us that weakness always invites aggression. This is unsettling reading but enormously informing.
June 10, 2023
Brings nothing not better articulated in The Long Game.
Yet maybe that's the point, the Trumpist hawks and liberal hawks are saying the same things with only a different level of sophistication.
Yet maybe that's the point, the Trumpist hawks and liberal hawks are saying the same things with only a different level of sophistication.
November 18, 2022
A must-read to understand China’s foreign policies, especially regarding the U.S., and valid arguments as to how the U.S. may adjust its approaches to counteract China’s hegemonic efforts.
March 9, 2018
This book clearly lays out the increasing challenge China makes to the American hegemony in Asia. China is building its fighting capacity and is going to be able to take on America in a long drawn war. America will this not be able to dictate the terms of engagement pretty soon.
Navarro really does not like China. According to him, China is more or less the Evil Empire: its government seeks to control the seas surrounding it, build up its defense capacities, bring countries around it under its influence, finance academics in other countries to influence public opinion, pollute the world and grow its economy by destroying jobs in America.. And it do all these unscrupulously.
Given that China has already been labeled as the Enemy, of course war would be inevitable. The author has already decided that the Chinese government cannot be trusted, and many times it is characterized as worse than the old Soviet Union one (who communicated with the Americans and tried not to rock the boat too much).
We in Singapore are indeed worried about the possibility of war in South East Asia as well. However, China's behavior is totally what one would expect in a rising global power. By labeling China only as the enemy is definitely going to increase the chance of war. The author advocates complete containment of China- boycotting Chinese exports, further increasing stealth weapons like submarines and mines laying ships in the South China Sea, building many more air bases in friendly countries Etc.
This explains why America has been supplying submarines to Vietnam, proposing the TPP excluding China (which may or may not happen) and asking its allies not to join the Asian Development Bank (unfortunately nearly all its allies joined in).
A well written book, but one dimensional. It needs some balance in characterizing China.
Navarro really does not like China. According to him, China is more or less the Evil Empire: its government seeks to control the seas surrounding it, build up its defense capacities, bring countries around it under its influence, finance academics in other countries to influence public opinion, pollute the world and grow its economy by destroying jobs in America.. And it do all these unscrupulously.
Given that China has already been labeled as the Enemy, of course war would be inevitable. The author has already decided that the Chinese government cannot be trusted, and many times it is characterized as worse than the old Soviet Union one (who communicated with the Americans and tried not to rock the boat too much).
We in Singapore are indeed worried about the possibility of war in South East Asia as well. However, China's behavior is totally what one would expect in a rising global power. By labeling China only as the enemy is definitely going to increase the chance of war. The author advocates complete containment of China- boycotting Chinese exports, further increasing stealth weapons like submarines and mines laying ships in the South China Sea, building many more air bases in friendly countries Etc.
This explains why America has been supplying submarines to Vietnam, proposing the TPP excluding China (which may or may not happen) and asking its allies not to join the Asian Development Bank (unfortunately nearly all its allies joined in).
A well written book, but one dimensional. It needs some balance in characterizing China.
April 18, 2018
entire the whole picture for mindset
May 15, 2025
Trying to make sense how Trump's USA views China today through one of Navarro's more popular books. The book was published nearly 10 years ago before Trump's first presidency, but in general the risks listed by author are felt in US approach towards China today. Written from specific US ideologic perspective thus one should not look for a balanced view from here.
December 4, 2020
A very interesting read about the rise of China. It covers the topic from many aspects. It made me anxious about the future. I would really like to read more about China and its culture.
First time to read about China's century of humilization. I never thought that China has as many controversies with its neighbour countries. If this is really the mindset of Chinese leaders, then a lot of conflicts are expected. The book also gave the impression that US role in Asia is underrated, which I don't think so. US have gained a lot from its strong realations with Asian countries and its military presence there, even though it spends a lot on it.
The book has a very informative part on the China's military vs. US. It mentioned, in some details, the advanced weapons Chinese developed to counter US in case of any conflict.
This book is really recommended to anyone interested in world order and the rise of China.
First time to read about China's century of humilization. I never thought that China has as many controversies with its neighbour countries. If this is really the mindset of Chinese leaders, then a lot of conflicts are expected. The book also gave the impression that US role in Asia is underrated, which I don't think so. US have gained a lot from its strong realations with Asian countries and its military presence there, even though it spends a lot on it.
The book has a very informative part on the China's military vs. US. It mentioned, in some details, the advanced weapons Chinese developed to counter US in case of any conflict.
This book is really recommended to anyone interested in world order and the rise of China.
April 11, 2020
The loving message of Navarro : if China is ready to kill its population, why the Western governments show weakness in refusing to kill a proportional number of people within their borders?
January 3, 2022
感觉作者大大高估了解放军的实力，也高估了菲律宾为了南海利益与中国一战的决心。本书的基本观点是与中国的经济往来会壮大中国共产党，进而危害美国以及世界的自由与民主。对华经济关系不会防止中美战争的发生，正如一战前英德经贸关系不能阻止一战爆发。美国应该减少对华贸易、对华经济合作，并团结其他国家对抗中国。这现在成为美国国策。这是否正确，仁者见仁智者见智吧。
July 12, 2019
This was an interesting, if alarmist, book. I don’t recall how it ended up on my reading list but after finishing it I wasn’t the least surprised to learn the author became an advisor in the Trump White House. Navarro goes through the known, and speculated, strengths of the Chinese economy, military and government style to make the case of the danger that it poses to US and global interests. While always taking the high estimates of everything from the number of nuclear warheads to the potential capabilities of its latest weapons, Navarro seeks to paint a picture of a US falling behind and bickering domestically while the Chinese advantage continues to grow. Even if he sometimes has to acknowledge the differing assessments made by other regional experts he always manages to twist them from an acknowledgement of the possibility of conflict to his preferred narrative of an inevitable one. Nonetheless, he does manage to do a great job of running down the list of potential flash points that could get out of hand from the more obvious, North Korea, to the more obscure, a territorial dispute with India frozen since the 1960s. It is no surprise then that his recommendations focus on increasing the military strength of the US and using tariffs to block Chinese products and thereby both reducing the growth of the Chinese economy and foment an increase in industrial output in the US (to focus specifically in armaments). While I disagree with the alarmist and militaristic tone of the book, I was still interested in reading the assessment, however skewed, of Chinese strengths and political aims.
November 30, 2018
Navarro is the White House's main trade advisor on dealing with Chinese influence. As such, his penned thoughts is a must read for anyone that has any dealing in capital markets or are living in the region.
One thing that really stood out to me was how much Navarro knew about the Chinese, it was in contrast to how traditional news outlets painted him [backward and "assumption-based" analytics]. I found these assumptions by those talking heads to be untrue. He knows his stuff, and very very well and can stand up to any challenges by any China-US expert.
Navarro sees a situation in black/white/grey areas. He is not an absolutist. In certain chapters, he paints the picture and allows the reader to arrive at his or her own conclusion on the scenario posted. He has a deep focus on past-American war efforts [Vietnam, gulf, et. al.] which should predict to a certain extent the average reaction of future war efforts.
Read it like how you would read fomc minutes...
One thing that really stood out to me was how much Navarro knew about the Chinese, it was in contrast to how traditional news outlets painted him [backward and "assumption-based" analytics]. I found these assumptions by those talking heads to be untrue. He knows his stuff, and very very well and can stand up to any challenges by any China-US expert.
Navarro sees a situation in black/white/grey areas. He is not an absolutist. In certain chapters, he paints the picture and allows the reader to arrive at his or her own conclusion on the scenario posted. He has a deep focus on past-American war efforts [Vietnam, gulf, et. al.] which should predict to a certain extent the average reaction of future war efforts.
Read it like how you would read fomc minutes...
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 18, 2020
Great book
Everyone should read and understand we ha e to come up with a National and international plan to deal with bad actors,like China. And deny them any more access to our technology wealth markets colleges and go on the offense before they become to powerful
We also have to get out Middle East revive our economy schools tech sector defat tax structure to beat them as only we can
Everyone should read and understand we ha e to come up with a National and international plan to deal with bad actors,like China. And deny them any more access to our technology wealth markets colleges and go on the offense before they become to powerful
We also have to get out Middle East revive our economy schools tech sector defat tax structure to beat them as only we can
May 5, 2020
Though a bit dated regarding China’s military capabilities, Navarro presents and answers many key questions regarding the threats presented by China. He also presents observations from deeply persons deeply knowledgeable about China. A chillingly realistic presentation illustrating the need for a coherent and long term posture by the United States.
Read
June 1, 2018china is a military threat and the world needs to work together to prevent them from bullying their neighbours (phillipines and vietnam in south china sea), influencing and spreading propaganda (confucian schools in america), and manipulating their currency and subsidizing exports
November 9, 2018
The last two chapters are fascinating, explaining when we face the threat from China, how the US behave to keep east Asia peace. China is growing, however, we should always keep in mind what they did to hurt regional peace.
June 13, 2021
Excellent ,very well written . China will conquer America because our elected officials are too busy dividing the country by race and defining
which bathroom we can use. Who will fight for America ? ,,,,,Nomad
which bathroom we can use. Who will fight for America ? ,,,,,Nomad
April 22, 2024
Informative View of Chinese Threat
A well sourced , thoughtful review of the China threat, could be updated. I read in 4-2024. Info is still relevant to today, and we need to be aware of the China challenge that we face in the future.
A well sourced , thoughtful review of the China threat, could be updated. I read in 4-2024. Info is still relevant to today, and we need to be aware of the China challenge that we face in the future.
November 7, 2021
Very timely and eye opening book regarding the incoming conflict with China and possible ways on how to avoid it.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 29, 2021
Definitely worth reading to become familiar with the broad considerations in great-power geopolitics. Taking any of his specific policy positions too seriously though isn't advisable.
It becomes pretty obvious he oversteps the topic of the book to promote his own views (such as on economic policy) Still, its great at introducing you to the concept in a short time. I recommend the book for that purpose only
It becomes pretty obvious he oversteps the topic of the book to promote his own views (such as on economic policy) Still, its great at introducing you to the concept in a short time. I recommend the book for that purpose only
January 3, 2016
While the world presently is ultra-focused on the global threat of ISIS or ISIL as it is sometimes called, the world is missing the possibly brutal threat of China. Navarro’s thesis concerns China’s hegemonic desire to become a superpower through its military, economic, and political policies. According to the author, China will probably succeed until American and Euro policies succeed in addressing this formidable threat. Readers will find their certainty about America’s superiority challenged and perhaps misunderstood.
It has been repeatedly stated that unless we learn from history, it will repeat itself, perhaps even exceed its own record. One needs then to read and then analyze the theories and facts herein carefully delineated. Every chapter begins with a question and possible answer choices. It isn’t hard to figure out the answers after a while. One might respond fearfully unless one thinks about other unknown American policies to contradict the Chinese realities.
For example, in one chapter we discover that China is seeking to establish military bases throughout Asia, all the way south to Vietnam and Cambodia to counteract the presence of American military bases also throughout Asia. Combine that with the chapters about the military armaments that both America and China possess, and one realizes there is a massive power struggle playing out. The question becomes what happens when an accident or first response action occurs and we are on the brink of WWIII? One can’t ignore the serious possibilities within such scenarios that Navarro predicts might actually occur.
It’s no secret how much American debt is being covered by China. Navarro describes how China is wooing many Asian nations for economic domination and how successful they are in such ventures. It is even suggested that an economic war might be all that is necessary to control the world. While America is cutting back on military spending, the needs for more spending are placing America in a precarious position, according to the author.
The author explores all of these areas and even posits possible responses to maintain peace that may help but actually might not change one iota of this chessboard game playing out globally.
Rather than spoil the remaining presentations, this reviewer suggests focus on this nonfiction book might be one of the best things for Americans, especially its politicians and economists, to read.
Highly recommended reading!
It has been repeatedly stated that unless we learn from history, it will repeat itself, perhaps even exceed its own record. One needs then to read and then analyze the theories and facts herein carefully delineated. Every chapter begins with a question and possible answer choices. It isn’t hard to figure out the answers after a while. One might respond fearfully unless one thinks about other unknown American policies to contradict the Chinese realities.
For example, in one chapter we discover that China is seeking to establish military bases throughout Asia, all the way south to Vietnam and Cambodia to counteract the presence of American military bases also throughout Asia. Combine that with the chapters about the military armaments that both America and China possess, and one realizes there is a massive power struggle playing out. The question becomes what happens when an accident or first response action occurs and we are on the brink of WWIII? One can’t ignore the serious possibilities within such scenarios that Navarro predicts might actually occur.
It’s no secret how much American debt is being covered by China. Navarro describes how China is wooing many Asian nations for economic domination and how successful they are in such ventures. It is even suggested that an economic war might be all that is necessary to control the world. While America is cutting back on military spending, the needs for more spending are placing America in a precarious position, according to the author.
The author explores all of these areas and even posits possible responses to maintain peace that may help but actually might not change one iota of this chessboard game playing out globally.
Rather than spoil the remaining presentations, this reviewer suggests focus on this nonfiction book might be one of the best things for Americans, especially its politicians and economists, to read.
Highly recommended reading!
June 3, 2020
This book is more like an ageing wine. Re-read it two years later (2020)-- in a not so dull and not so boring time-- and it actually tickles the fancy. China IS more like a nation run by the King of Hearts, and best to keep everything close to your chest.
FIVE STARS * * * * *
-----------------------
A long time ago, someone asked me a question about China that still lingered in my mind. "What do they want?" And as I was reading Navarro's Crouching Tiger, I had this simple question in my head; but, alas, did not get the answer even as I perused the book's more discerning chapters.
Crouching Tiger was generally sloppy, and I personally believe it could have been more engaging. One feels like you're reading something composed by the King of Hearts; full of important-unimportant-unimportant-important histories, dos-and-donts and other mile high rules. Readers, moreover, were promised a detective story (and time and time again readers were reminded that they'll be treated with a foreign policy noir) but it wasn't the case in the end. Even Gordon Chang's intro (his writings were generally likeable, albeit if accompanied with modest doubt) was banal. Lastly, while the book was only published in 2015, China observers could readily point out that some of Navarro's premises already seemed redundant.
Three Stars.
December 7, 2016
It's a book is certainly worth reading. The author didn't stress this too much but the parallels to the current situation with China and the events leading up to WW1 are alarming to say the least, although this time with nuclear weapons. If you don't have a good understanding of what is happening in the far east, it's a good book.
June 10, 2023
Do you live in Asia? Do you hate to sleep? Read this book.你住在亞洲嗎？ 不喜歡睡覺？ 你應該看這本書!
It's filled with a lot of great information taken from very good sources. If you're interested at all in Chinese history and current politics I highly recommend you read this book.
It's filled with a lot of great information taken from very good sources. If you're interested at all in Chinese history and current politics I highly recommend you read this book.
November 3, 2015
This is a very thought provoking expose of possible dangers China presents. Timely, well researched, and well written. Definitely worth a read.
April 19, 2016
An alarming call for attention to the growing power of China and its power and influence in the world.
November 19, 2016
"By buying goods from China we fund their militarization". - Trump's key economic advisor. #sigh
Read
January 27, 2017hi it is one of most facinating book
August 27, 2016
A must read for anyone who cares about the United States.
April 1, 2017
China and the Chinese people are different from us in the United States. They have a long term perspective and have a moral compass that is heavily weighted in priorities that vary from those of America and may of our allies. Peace in the South China Sea Basin depends on leaders of the "Free World" understanding not just what China and its leaders want but how they will likely go about getting those concessions and what they are willing to LOOSE in the process. it is a mistake to expect the Chinese or the North Korean's to think even remotely as we in the West do - and likewise they place value differently as well. It is important to understand that China is heavily dependent on sea trade and is not landlocked but is strangled by the island nations ringing the South China Sea and the shipping lanes that course through those areas. China cannot tolerate disruption of their bustling oceanic trade.
Between China and India nearly one in every four people alive on Earth live in those two countries. They are ignored at the peril of the rest of the world - we must understand them better - and we must engage them on their terms in the South China Sea. Peter Navarro understands and attempts to explain this in lay terms. It is more than just militarism.
Between China and India nearly one in every four people alive on Earth live in those two countries. They are ignored at the peril of the rest of the world - we must understand them better - and we must engage them on their terms in the South China Sea. Peter Navarro understands and attempts to explain this in lay terms. It is more than just militarism.
Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews