Three Faces of Chinese Power: Might, Money, and Minds

by David M. Lampton

Clear, comprehensive, and well-balanced, this unique assessment takes the measure of what is arguably the most important geopolitical change in today's world: the growth of China's power. In the only book on the subject to be based on extensive interviews with elite political leaders, diplomats, and others in China, the United States, and countries on China's periphery, David M. Lampton investigates the military, economic, and intellectual dimensions of China's growing influence. His account provides a fresh perspective from which to assess China―how its strengths are changing, where vulnerabilities and uncertainties lie, and how the rest of the world, not least the United States, should view it. Lampton gives a valuable historical framework by discussing how the Chinese have thought about state power for over 2,500 years, and he asks how they are thinking about the future use of power through instruments such as their space program. He also provides broad suggestions for policy toward China in light of the 2008 elections in the United States and China's hosting of the Olympic Games, in a book that is essential reading for understanding one of the most significant developments of the twenty-first century.

Genres: China, Politics

379 pages, Paperback

First published April 30, 2007

Reviews

[Khalid Omer Alfarouk]

This is a comprehensive work. I wish the author had updated it by 2024 to include COVID-19 and Alibaba's impact on e-commerce.

[Gary]

started 11 Dec 09

[Joseph]

Good read! Good perspective.

[Dan]

Book describes the military, economic, and intellectual aspects of China's historic and current use of various kinds of power.

[Ryan]

Well-researched and cogently argued, a superior overview of China from an IR perspective.