UPSTART

In the 1990s, China was a marginal player in world affairs, struggling to find a path to economic development. However, during the next two decades, it established itself as a major power with a thriving economy and a vigorous government determined to challenge the U.S. Mastro, who has won awards for her geopolitical research, undertakes a deep dive into China’s tactics. Her central thesis is an idea she borrowed from business thinking: that China has deliberately acted as a disruptive force, avoiding direct confrontation with the U.S. wherever possible and instead looking for gaps and weaknesses to exploit. For example, Chinese leaders have built aid-based connections with regimes that the U.S. has disdained or neglected, and they have focused on assisting with internal security issues, such as police training and surveillance systems. When China has participated in international institutions, it has sought special treatment and concessions, always looking to improve its position. It has injected itself into regional conflicts as a disinterested mediator while building up its military might. Mastro puts forward a range of moves that the U.S. might take to leverage its advantages, such as deepening its relationships with other Asian countries, asserting its position in regional hotspots, and demanding that China adhere to agreed-upon trading policy. Some of her proposals would be difficult to implement, but her framework for action is sound. While the text never entirely breaks away from its academic origins, the author puts forth many interesting ideas. Anyone who enjoyed Graham Allison’s Destined for War will find this book to be insightful and thoroughly researched.