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Asia's New Geopolitics: Essays on Reshaping the Indo-Pacific
The Indo-Pacific is fast becoming the world's dominant region. As it grows in power and wealth, geopolitical competition has reemerged, threatening future stability not merely in Asia but around the globe. China is aggressive and uncooperative, and increasingly expects the world to bend to its wishes. The focus on Sino-US competition for global power has obscured "Asia's other great game": the rivalry between Japan and China. A modernizing India risks missing out on the energies and talents of millions of its women, potentially hampering the broader role it can play in the world. And in North Korea, the most frightening question raised by Kim Jong-un's pursuit of the ultimate weapon is also the can he control his nukes? In Asia's New Essays on Reshaping the Indo-Pacific , Michael R. Auslin examines these and other key issues transforming the Indo-Pacific and the broader world. He also explores the history of American strategy in Asia from the 18th century through today. Taken together, Auslin's essays convey the richness and diversity of the with more than three billion people, the Indo-Pacific contains over half of the global population, including the world's two most populous India and China. In a riveting final chapter, Auslin imagines a war between America and China in a bid for regional hegemony and what this conflict might look like.
262 pages, Hardcover
Published May 1, 2020
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Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews
January 31, 2026
This book is a collection of essays written between 5 and 10 years ago on various aspects of the geopolitical issues involving Asia, and particularly those that concern American foreign policy. The author helpfully points out the errors made by recent US administrations in their foreign policy, specifically as those policies impacted China.
In general, Mr. Auslin appears to feel that the US has not reacted firmly enough to some of China's more assertive activities, particularly their violations of international law in the South China Sea. He tends the book with an essay he wrote early in 2020 describing a two-week war he speculates could be fought between the US and China in September, 2025. I won't spoil the ending because, as we know now, this war did not take place. One of the more interesting aspects of his speculative scenario is that he sees Gavin Newsom as the US president in September, 2025.
In general, Mr. Auslin appears to feel that the US has not reacted firmly enough to some of China's more assertive activities, particularly their violations of international law in the South China Sea. He tends the book with an essay he wrote early in 2020 describing a two-week war he speculates could be fought between the US and China in September, 2025. I won't spoil the ending because, as we know now, this war did not take place. One of the more interesting aspects of his speculative scenario is that he sees Gavin Newsom as the US president in September, 2025.
March 26, 2021
Michael R. Auslin, a fellow at the conservative Hoover Institution, Stanford University, has written 8 essays to help us understand the new competition for the Indo-Pacific region that's developed as a result of China's rapid economic and military growth over the last 30 years. China plays a role in all the essays, even that on the new role of women in Indian society and the one on the dangers posed by a nuclear North Korea. Another essay focuses on the direct competition between China and Japan, historically and now. Four essays deal with the strategic importance of East Asia and the Indian Ocean and why the U. S. and China are fiercely competing for dominance there. Auslin confirms the Chinese goal of becoming Asia's hegemon. The U. S., perceived as weakening relative to China's increasing strength, is determined to maintain its position as guarantor of peace and best friend to most in the region since the end of WWII. It wants to continue being the dominant influence. The final essay is a "future history" imagining what hostilities might look like were China, the U. S., and Japan to stumble into a shooting war in 2025. While the military results aren't surprising, the political consequences of the brief conflict, as Auslin guesses they might go, are. But his analysis of the competition for the region covers much more than military considerations. The modern histories of all the region's players are reviewed so that our current situation can be understood. National economies and trade policies weigh as much in the equations as anything else. As I said, this is Hoover Institution thinking and is quite conservative. Obama's policies take a beating. Trump is largely forgiven. Auslin even visualized a 2d term for him before he gave way to...yup, Gavin Newsom.
December 12, 2020
The chapter on India was tangential while rest dealt with the region's dynamic geopolitics deftly. The last chapter of future history didn't attract me much.
February 3, 2021
Pacific
If you have a subscription to Foreign Affairs no need to read this book. I did enjoy chapter 8 as it lays out a 2025 war scenario that is good.
If you have a subscription to Foreign Affairs no need to read this book. I did enjoy chapter 8 as it lays out a 2025 war scenario that is good.
July 17, 2022
This is a topical series of essays on Asian geopolitics. The general theme is the new reality of Sino-American competition and confrontation, but there are also one-offs on such topics as arranged marriages in India or how Japan has sought to preserve its culture in the face of modernity. He has a good angle on some of the essays; for example, articles about North Korea tend to be about “what crazy Kim Jong-eun is going to do with his nukes,” but Auslin looks at the control of nuclear weapons and asks just how safe North Korea’s nuclear bombs are from a technical point of view.
The book analyzes China’s strategy to control the approaches to Asia, the Yellow Sea, the South China Sea, the Taiwan Strait, or what it calls the inner island chain. American can keep the blue oceans, as China now has the ability to deny these closer areas to the Americans, so America needs to reorder its strategic aims and its abilities. This gap between ends and means is apparent in the most provocative essay in the book, in which a 2025 war between China and America is imagined. As I read the essay, I thought that it probably outlined a best-case scenario.
The book also analyzed Chinese belligerence, the intimidation of other countries, the spying, the reasons for it and what can be done. Basically, the author claims that the world needs to wake up to Chinese revisionism and take action. I think that this is true and somewhat prescient, because the book was written a couple of years ago, and in fact world opinion about China has more or less changed in the way the author thinks that it should. He anticipated what has become conventional wisdom.
As for the Taiwan problem, this is an old issue that is not going away. Mao brought it up with Nixon in 1972 and they agreed to disagree then. Since then, China’s means have grown and America’s abilities have declined relatively. Probably, the war in Ukraine and the West’s resolve and abilities will be crucial in Chinese decision-making over the medium term. Also, on our side, it is important to not provoke the Chinese. Publicly recognize the one-China policy and make sure there are no declarations of independence. At the same time, let it be known that Taiwan has friends.
On that last point, the author also analyzes the alliance system in Asia. China is more-or-less isolated, as it has managed to alienate most of its neighbours with its belligerent and haughty behaviour. America, on the other hand, has lots of allies, but there is a lack of coordination between them as in Europe. There is no NATO-style alliance in which an attack on one is an attack on all. America is allied with Japan, South Korea, Australia and India, but they all just look for help from America rather than from each other too. That is a weakness the Chinese can exploit.
Anyway, the book is a helpful reminder of some important truths in Asian geopolitics. The Sino-Japanese rivalry is very old and goes beyond Sino-American rivalry. American strategy is to prevent the rise of an Asian hegemon, promote democracy, and promote trade. Does it still have the ends to pursue those means? What would it take to acquire those means? What trade-offs are necessary? These are very serious questions that will impact the lives and possibly deaths of billions of people.
The book analyzes China’s strategy to control the approaches to Asia, the Yellow Sea, the South China Sea, the Taiwan Strait, or what it calls the inner island chain. American can keep the blue oceans, as China now has the ability to deny these closer areas to the Americans, so America needs to reorder its strategic aims and its abilities. This gap between ends and means is apparent in the most provocative essay in the book, in which a 2025 war between China and America is imagined. As I read the essay, I thought that it probably outlined a best-case scenario.
The book also analyzed Chinese belligerence, the intimidation of other countries, the spying, the reasons for it and what can be done. Basically, the author claims that the world needs to wake up to Chinese revisionism and take action. I think that this is true and somewhat prescient, because the book was written a couple of years ago, and in fact world opinion about China has more or less changed in the way the author thinks that it should. He anticipated what has become conventional wisdom.
As for the Taiwan problem, this is an old issue that is not going away. Mao brought it up with Nixon in 1972 and they agreed to disagree then. Since then, China’s means have grown and America’s abilities have declined relatively. Probably, the war in Ukraine and the West’s resolve and abilities will be crucial in Chinese decision-making over the medium term. Also, on our side, it is important to not provoke the Chinese. Publicly recognize the one-China policy and make sure there are no declarations of independence. At the same time, let it be known that Taiwan has friends.
On that last point, the author also analyzes the alliance system in Asia. China is more-or-less isolated, as it has managed to alienate most of its neighbours with its belligerent and haughty behaviour. America, on the other hand, has lots of allies, but there is a lack of coordination between them as in Europe. There is no NATO-style alliance in which an attack on one is an attack on all. America is allied with Japan, South Korea, Australia and India, but they all just look for help from America rather than from each other too. That is a weakness the Chinese can exploit.
Anyway, the book is a helpful reminder of some important truths in Asian geopolitics. The Sino-Japanese rivalry is very old and goes beyond Sino-American rivalry. American strategy is to prevent the rise of an Asian hegemon, promote democracy, and promote trade. Does it still have the ends to pursue those means? What would it take to acquire those means? What trade-offs are necessary? These are very serious questions that will impact the lives and possibly deaths of billions of people.
June 15, 2024
Perhaps I've read too much about geopolitics and strategic power contests, so this book didn't initially excite me, as much of the content felt familiar. However, the final chapter, titled "Sino-American Littoral War," turned out to be an exciting and riveting read. This chapter is a hypothetical scenario depicting a limited war between China and the US in 2025. The author took creative license to describe how China and the US might accidentally stumble into a conflict. This speculative piece feels highly plausible and provides a gripping and insightful peek into the future. It effectively builds on the preceding essays' analysis of China-US relations, tying them together in a compelling narrative. For those interested in a thought-provoking and realistic depiction of future geopolitical dynamics, I'd recommend this book alone for this chapter.
January 11, 2026
A fundamental and brilliantly clear resource. This book was indispensable for my master's thesis on Japan's vision for a Free and Open Indo-Pacific and the role of India. The dynamics are outlined with exceptional clarity, making complex geopolitics not just understandable, but engaging. Highly recommended for students and professionals seeking a current, accessible analysis of the region's reshaping.
October 23, 2020
The division of the book into essays that focus on different geographical regions in the Indo Pacific region helps bring focus to the subject. I found the essays educating, well written, and analytical. Enjoyed this title.
May 24, 2020
Fantastic! Loved this! Last chapter was especially unnerving.
August 23, 2020
a fantastic new book by a leading authority covering where china is heading and what to do about it. A must-read for everyone, includes much history as well as current policy issues.
Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews