The World According to China

by Elizabeth C. Economy

An economic and military superpower with 20 percent of the world's population, China has the wherewithal to transform the international system.  Xi Jinping's bold calls for China to lead in the reform of the global governance system, suggest that he has just such an ambition. And his iron grip on power in the wake of the 2022 Party Congress suggests that he now has the mandate. But how does he plan to realize it? And what does it mean for the rest of the world?   In this compelling book, Elizabeth Economy reveals China's ambitious new strategy to reclaim the country's past glory and reshape the geostrategic landscape in dramatic new ways. Xi's vision is one of Chinese centrality on the global stage, in which the mainland has realized its sovereignty claims over Hong Kong, Taiwan and the South China sea, deepened its global political, economic, and security reach through its grand scale Belt and Road Initiative, and used its leadership in the United Nations and other institutions to align international norms and values, particularly around human rights, with those of China. It is a world radically different from that of today. The international community needs to understand and respond to the great risks and and potential opportunities of presented by this transformative vision.

Genres: China, Politics, International Relations, Nonfiction, History, Political Science, Military Fiction

304 pages, Hardcover

Published January 4, 2022

Reviews

[Andrew · Rating 2 out of 5]

The World According to China, by Elizabeth C. Economy, is the authors newest book on China. I was previously quite impressed with the authors last book on Xi Jinping, The Third Revolution: Xi Jinping and the New Chinese State, and when I saw this newest release, I immediately set out to read it. Ultimately, I found this book to be quite disappointing. The book looks at numerous avenues of Chinese foreign policy, from its Belt and Road Imitative (BRI) to its interactions with Chinese emigrants, its initiatives in the environment, and in the global economy, and its push to set standards in numerous fields, from scientific research, to international diplomacy. However, the analysis on most of these topics is rather vapid. Far from being "The World According to China" this book is more a critique of China's attempts at reforming and disrupting the existing rules based as constructed by the United States. China is not at all above criticism, and a more nuanced and detailed account of each chapter would have been welcomed. The book contains some interesting tidbits on various topics, and those hold well in the reading. However, some strange examples exist. The nefarious evil of exporting PPE to poor nations is expounded in the book during the introductory chapter on COVID-19 and China, to me a strange and hollow take on real events. Another head scratcher was contained in the otherwise interesting section on China's use of emigrants overseas to influence political decisions in nations. The case of Sam Dastyari, an Australian Senator who publicly disclosed he had accepted a donation from a Chinese billionaire, and who subsequently spoke in favour of China's view on the South China Sea, is telling. This case is outlined right after describing how the Chinese government interferes with foreign students - Dastyari is neither Chinese, nor a student, and although an interesting case study on corruption and overseas influence, and party whips in Australia pulling Senators in line, it did a poor job illustrating the point. I am so critical of this book because there are so many well documented case studies that could be discussed, but the examples and sourcing given in this book are so vapid, that it does not lend credence to the authors point. Many of the sources come from American news outlets - not what I would expect from a foreign policy expert. It feels more like a paper I would write last minute for an impending deadline I had been tardy on. I was really looking forward to this read, and I hope that the author does release a more detailed and researched analysis of these events. All told, this could serve well as an introductory read on specific subjects, such as China's foreign policy, it's investments in international development, or its policies on the arctic or the environment. Even so, I would recommend a skip for those looking for analysis that goes deeper than a CNN editorial on any specific subject.

[Dimitri · Rating 3 out of 5]

A good introduction to China's long term strategy for world domination. With various office holder interviews to illustrate the facts, and some crystal diagrams.
The world has changed again since February 2022 regards to Russia's relationship with China, but for example Latvian IT scepticism has a new lease.

Some subjects such as Taiwan, de-democratisation of Hong Kong or the Uygur concentration camps are well-known. The South China sea conflict with the Philippines and Korea, translated into economic sactions over bananas and K-pop, less so. Its economic investment in Africa comes with a coinside: if you cannot reimburse, an Indian Ocean port will make the perfect collateral add to China's "string of pearls". That explains the scepticism of the European Union, notably after the Czech Republics disillusioning experience of sub-par aid, with the exception of Greece's newly developed Piraeus port.

China's leadership ambition in (5G) informatics technology is strictly linked to its wish to monitor every individual. Again, a country's reception depends on the perception of the secondary goal. Cyber attacks to obtain military engineering fall into the same agenda: their jets copy the F-35, for example.

Overall, the Orwellian reality of the CCP is too transparent to make the long term gains flawlessly possible. It's up to the rest of the world to make sure we do not voluntarily enter into Xi's economic slavery, both by saying NO and maintaining a technological edge where it counts most.

[Miebara Jato · Rating 1 out of 5]

This book fell short of my expectations or, perhaps more accurately, didn't live up to its title. Interviews with Chinese government officials, communist party leaders, businesspeople and defectors to understand their mindsets should at the very least be included in a book about China's perception of the world. China and Russia are two nations that intrigue me, albeit not in a cute way.
China's sustained 3 decades of economic growth is unrivalled. But despite this impressive 'peaceful rise,' its politics threaten to undo everything. In his 2005 book "Black Swan," Nicholas Taleb advises readers to be cautious and prepare for unanticipated events, such as the likelihood of "unknown unknown" risks that no one sees coming." What keeps Chinese leaders awake at night is the fragile politics. Nevertheless, the Communist Party and the leadership appear to be keeping such risks under control.
In 1949, the Communist Party took control of China. Since then, both hard and soft authoritarianism have been utilized to rule the country. And as part of Xi's larger objectives, China's relationship with the outside world is defined by the so-called "Chinese characteristics."
China's strategic goal is to dramatically transform world geopolitics with China as the centre.

On the international stage, the mainland had realized its sovereignty claims over Hong Kong, Taiwan, and the South China Sea. It had also deepened its massive Belt and Road Initiative and used its influence in the UN and other organizations to align international norms and values, particularly those about human rights, with those of China.

[Jonathan Mckay · Rating 3 out of 5]

The world according to China according to the Washington Consensus.

Good info on Huawei, makes me want to write a book on the subject.

[Tyler Standish · Rating 4 out of 5]

In this gripping book, Elizabeth C. Economy outlines China’s grand strategy to “take back” its “glory” and transform the entire geostrategic environment. Under President Xi’s leadership, China has asserted its primacy around the world, asserting its sovereignty over Hong Kong and Taiwan, as well as over the East and South Chinese Seas. China has expanded its political, economic, and security, as well as its informational reach through its vast Belt and Road Initiative. China has used its leadership, often through coercion, in the UN and other institutions to bring international norms and values (especially around human rights) into line with China’s own. This is a world that looks very different from the world we know today. The US and its allies must recognize and respond to the risks and opportunities that the world rebuilt by China will bring.

[Makena McMurtrey · Rating 1 out of 5]

Yawn fest fr
I listened to the audiobook and it just wasn’t engaging enough for my squirrel brain
I’m sure there was a lot of good content, I didn’t seem to retain much

[Joe · Rating 4 out of 5]

A very interesting read (even if rather US-biased).

[Chen Yang · Rating 1 out of 5]

Unfortunately, this is one of the worst books available on China. I'm actually surprised that this book have a rating of >3 on GoodReads. Perhaps, this rating is given by audience who read only the mainstream publications and follow mainstream news and probably have zero clue on Chinese history. With that being said, this book itself is basically a regurgitation of MSM talking points when it comes to the Eastern Hemisphere, which neglects all wrongdoings that happened in recent history and shows zero regards to history or culture. I'd be the first to admit there are numerous things that I dislike about the current leadership in China, but to be this biased and show lack of insight into anything and being able to publish a book nowadays is just mindblowing.

[Jose Torroja Ribera · Rating 4 out of 5]

Un toque de atención sobre el peligro de la ambición china ( o de Xi ) sobre su papel en el mundo.

[Juan Aranovich · Rating 3 out of 5]

I was expecting a little more of this book after reading "the third revolution" by the same author.

It presents a good picture of China's attempts at reshaping the world order as per their views and values.
I was a little disappointed with how little she touched COVID. Especially since she mentioned that in the beginning. I was expecting to gain more insights about covid and china.
She presents China as a giant trying to influence every decision-making process in the world. whether it's through the BRI, their UN initiatives, their "wolf warrior diplomacy", their efforts to lead multinational organizations, their investments.

China has its own set of "values" that it won't compromise. I agree with that.
the author says: "Xi’s overarching strategic priority is to maintain sovereignty and social stability in the near term, and to realize the unification of China over the longer term. Moreover, he is willing to tolerate significant disequilibrium in the international system to achieve a new, more desirable end steady state of a reunified China."

I also found it interesting how the same strategies that led china to succeed can become the reasons why they won't succeed in the future. "The very characteristics that have enabled China to achieve its foreign policy objectives in the near term now risk undermining its future progress. "

Beijing’s wolf warrior diplomacy, defiance of freedom of navigation norms in the South China Sea, aggressive military activity around sovereignty issues, including Taiwan, the South China Sea, the Sino-Indian border, and the Diaoyu/Senkaku islands, and crackdown on Hong Kong have all contributed to strengthen relations among the larger Asian powers, such as the United States, Japan, Australia, and India."
On the matter of innovation, the author says that China is spending a lot on R&D. However, she doesn't seem to mention that innovation is much more than spending money. With a culture that does not reward thinking out of the box like China, they will never be a leader in innovation. They are the masters of replication and what's called "incremental innovation".

I found it a little bit too American-sided. And in the last chapter they don't provide a good forward-looking policy the US should look forward to. She says something like the "US should play its own strengths."

[Chad Manske · Rating 5 out of 5]

Renown China expert Liz Economy delivers a sobering assessment of the state of China today and relative to President Xi’s vision for the future. In this realized vision, Xi has realigned Hong Kong and Taiwan with the mainland while using (and abusing) the ‘credibility’ of their global leadership roles in the United Nations, Interpol and dozens of other international institutions cast in a China’s norms for human rights, global governance and the like. Much of this power and credibility comes through Belt and Road Initiative projects, banking (AIIB), trade and and other mutually beneficial relationships. What it can’t raise within its borders or by its people outside them eludes their grasp, such as semiconductors and chips to drive their voracious appetite for technology, surveillance and AI. One of their MOs is if they can’t make theirs like the best of something made elsewhere, they get as close as they can to copying it, then steal the rest to suit themselves, try to patent it, then pawn it off to the world as their original creation. A very eye opening account with numerous first-hand interviews of Chinese abroad, internationally and here at home. A must-read for all serious China scholars.

[John Crippen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Economy's new book is an excellent introduction to what Xi Jinping's China is trying to do and why it matters to the rest of the world. After describing Xi's strategic goals and his vision for China, the book covers China's use of power (soft, sharp, and hard), reunification efforts (Hong Kong, Taiwan, and the South China Sea), the Belt and Road Initiative, China's use of technology to affect politics, and how China uses its participation in international institutions to influence global governance norms. Economy closes the book with a review of how the United States has dealt with China during the last few administrations and offers some advice on what might work next. Her closing sentence: "The challenge for the United States and its allies and partners, therefore, is to develop and realize a more compelling vision of how the world is organized and the values and norms that inform it, such that a world according to China remains an ambition yet to be realized." Very readable and barely over 200 pages, this is the book I'll recommend when someone asks "Why should we be worried about what's happening on the other side of the world in China?"

[LJ Lombos · Rating 3 out of 5]

Excellent primer on what drives China’s great power ambitions. It’s an easy read as the language is written to accommodate the general audience although a healthy background of recent Chinese policy developments would also be helpful to deeply appreciate Economy’s points. Since a considerable amount of the book’s contents recap recent major policy developments in the country that were largely covered by mainstream news, technical specialists may not find anything new that hasn’t been written by other China observers and academics. I’m also less impressed with the lack of nuance in the trade policy aspects of the book and the tendency towards generalizations. While the policy recommendations particularly on the United States’ role in its alliance system are worth considering, they broadly assume other outside actors lack agency in the broader geopolitical dynamics. It would also be interesting if it would have considered the disparate interests of allies and partners instead of relying on shared values.

[Adri Dosi · Rating 3 out of 5]

Nelíbila se mi. Popravdě, jsem myslela, že bude o něčem jiném. A o na vesměs politicky z amerického pohledu ....Jde o knihu která datuje covid a chování Číny z posledních asi 10 let maximálně. Je to hodně agitační. Celkem úderné titulky. Tenhle styl nemám ráda. Budí ve mě, že jde o tendenční knihu se zájmem mě zmanipulovat. Myslela jsem, že jde o historickou knihu. A ano, autorka je známá a uznávaná na čínskou politiku.. ale i to je další.. takhle o politice jsem číst nechtěla.. ta se na nás hrne ze všech stran. Takže, neříkám, že ta kniha není dobrá. Pro mne ale rozhodně není. Představuje přesně to, co na knihách nemám ráda a jednoduše jsem se při objednávání z knihovny sekla. Zkusila jsem louskat, skákáním, ale tohle fakt není věc, která by se mně osobně líbila. Nadšenec politiky ale bude možná nadšen, protože zpracovaná je zjevně pečlivě. Teď ještě, aby to byl ten nadšenec na té správné straně :-D...

[Lucas Cavalcanti · Rating 1 out of 5]

It's more like "China according to Elizabeth".

I tried to push in but had to quit reading 25% in, such is the shameless bias from the author. Having a bias is innevitable, so by itself it is okay. The problem is that there is no effort at all to fulfill the title's promise of showcasing China's view of the world. The book is non-stop about portarying China as an authoritarian, ill-intentioned regime that is doing "evil things" in the domestic and international arena, thus posing a risk to the "good guys" in the West.

It's a very stale, unoriginal narrative with nothing new to it. And even that is poorly accomplished because of how blatant it is. The worst part is just how misleading the title is. You pick this book up thinking you will learn about China's view of the world, and all you find is an extremely boring, unoriginal, portrait of China as a bad actor, that resonates American propaganda on every page.

[Abdullah Al-Judaimi · Rating 3 out of 5]

Elizabeth Economy believes that Western values are the correct model the world should follow, and that China poses a threat to these values.

However, in reality, these values seem far from being genuinely upheld.

For instance, Western governments were quick to support Egyptian President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi following the coup against the first democratically elected president, Dr. Mohamed Morsi, disregarding the democratic principles they claim to champion.

Another example is the current Western stance on the ethnic cleansing in Gaza, Palestine, where many Western countries provide direct or indirect support for these violations, blatantly contradicting their proclaimed commitment to human rights and justice.

I am pleased to see China emerging as the next superpower, as, unlike the Western world, China does not operate with the same level of hypocrisy.

[Reggie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I believe this book is a decent primer for those interested in US (and quite frankly, anyone who is a beneficiary of the status quo) national security and the challenge known as Great Power Competition. Its wholistic approach was helpful in providing a good overview of China’s global initiatives, so I would definitely recommend it for someone just digging into the subject. If you’ve already read a book or two on China, or have more than basic knowledge on current activities such as Belt and Road Initiative, then I would probably look elsewhere. What I thought was most interesting was China’s quest for more governance in the Arctic. This book was helpful with illuminating how control of the Arctic can provide immense economic and military value. I’ll definitely be conducting more research on this subject.

[Morgan · Rating 2 out of 5]

For a text with such a promising title, Economy’s book is tragically pedantic, repetitive, and warmongering. As a primer on HOW China’s current policy, and President Xi Jinping specifically, threatens the current, rules-based international order, it is mildly useful. However, Economy fails to address the most important question related to China, which is WHY it behaves as it does, and thus how the US and its Allies can affect China’s behavior. Her recommendations regarding a China reset are, sadly, generalized and vapid. For those that know nothing about China’s current foreign policy, the book is worth a read. For those that know anything about it, it’s hardly worth the time it will take to slog through it.

[Sao Niseiy · Rating 3 out of 5]

The book provides overarching information and insights regarding China’s rise. However, a large chunk of the book focuses on China’s ambitious plans in making use of technological advancement to pursue its global leadership goals. Interestingly, it is more Western centric without having more perspectives of Chinese side or at least from those perceiving the rise of China as a positivity that can contribute to buttressing global order and governance system. I can say the analysis or prospect given in the book doesn’t suffice the need to understand how the rest of the world can cope with or accommodate the rise of China in years to come.

[Matt · Rating 4 out of 5]

A dense book on the geo politics surrounding China and the western way of thought, reccomend reading thus rather than listening as it covers so much I found myself going on thought tangents to think through all of the data being presented. Also reccomend reading one chapter every couple of days to let the material marinate. I appreciated how the author stuck to the facts and didn't make the book an us vs them buy rather a breakdown of the different perspectives and how the rest of the world is responding. Very likely I will read again in a year or so to really grasp all this book had to offer.

[K · Rating 5 out of 5]

I thought this book was excellent. As someone fairly nascent in my understanding of China and its racing impact across the globe, I believed this to be a great summary of China’s efforts in the international arena and the US continuing fall from grace. As a Filipina-American living in Japan as Trump came into power and leaving the US for Australia as the COVID pandemic came to a close, watching the US and its allies continuously underestimate China’s reach and influence, this was a great primer. I’m glad it’s on the SAF reading list which is how I came upon this book.

[Mike · Rating 5 out of 5]

I don't know much about China except for what I read online and in the headlines, but I know that the CCP is a threat. Economy provides detailed examples of the CCP's activities in the world, as well as the philosophy behind their aggression. The CCP has a "no-holds barred" view of foreign policy and a grand view of their place in the world. The US, the West, and other Asian countries will have to deal with this threat, hopefully as a united front. This is a relatively brief booked packed with information and warnings, and some strategies for engaging with China. Worth the read.

[Henriette · Rating 4 out of 5]

I’d rather given it 3 and a half. It is amazing how fast “actuality” monographs are left behind by the passing of mere months actually. The Chinese economy looks strained and dishevelled here in 2024 - the backlash from Chinas adversaries mentioned in the book has not lessened rather the contrary. Authoritarianism as world system? No thank you.
The author is indeed very well informed and with detailed insights into Chinese behaviour on the international scene. Are we in a new Cold War? Heading there.

[Joshua Carroll · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great book and well written for its accessibility and comprehensiveness. Some concepts and details are a bit derivative of other works (Pillsbury, Schuman, Colby, Doshi) and at times represents more of a survey of Chinese thought than a hard hitting analysis or exposé. Still, a great book for the average American who needs to learn the varying interpretations and interests of China and how their desired world order is incompatible with democracy and the West.

[Brady · Rating 4 out of 5]

I had heard much of the content from other books on China, but I still enjoyed hearing it through the lens of a different author. I didn't feel like the book wrapped up that well, it just kind of ended. If you're not familiar with all the nefarious things that China is doing, this is a good primer.

[Nick · Rating 3 out of 5]

The World According to China is an excellent review of the key events in US/China relations over the past few years. People who have closely followed US/China relations will find this book to be mainly a refresher, but it is an excellent place to start for students, policymakers, and others new to understanding the political tensions between the US and China.

[Jonathan Z. · Rating 3 out of 5]

1. A good academic book that tells you how it should be read and let's you focus on what you want.
2. The focus on sovereignty, great power competition through all elements of national power, and some examples really help square China's actions.
3. Why is the US the good guy? Why is China the bad guy? Is China thr bad guy? The context helps to make these arguments.

[Ben · Rating 4 out of 5]

Yet another informative book from the SECAF reading list on China. A bit difficult to follow towards the end as many of the abbreviations are continuously used throughout the book. Therefore, having a handy list of the abbreviations while reading would probably help improve the understanding of the book. Still though, well written and informative overall.

[Adelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book’s key achievement is consolidating in one volume the many contemporary dimensions of China’s international personality. You absorb a lot of concise and impartial information quickly, and without unnecessary padding. It’s an excellent book for the interested observer of world affairs.

[Raymond Billups · Rating 4 out of 5]

Really good book. China is coming and is ready to stop any country in their way. First Taiwan, then U.S. and then the rest of the world. They are using the BRI and other economical initiatives to tie countries to do their binding. This book is a major wake up call to unite.