A New Cold War: Henry Kissinger and the Rise of China

by Sanjaya Baru, Rahul Sharma

In July 1971, US National Security Advisor, Henry Kissinger, made a secret visit to China to meet top Chinese leaders. This inaugurated a new phase not just in US-China relations but in contemporary history. That visit and the subsequent US-China relationship, including the US decision to invest in China's economic rise and admit it into the WTO, combined to firm up the foundations of China's rise as a world power. For more than four decades, the leadership of the two countries had a secretive pact, which worked well to each other's benefit. The US helped power China's economic growth in the hope that Beijing would turn a new political leaf and adopt Western practices (e.g. democracy). China grew economically and militarily, used its financial prowess to spread its influence across continents, as four generations of Chinese leaders built their nation at the expense of the US. Half a century after Kissinger's historic visit, the US and China are today engaged in a trade war bordering on a new Cold War. Washington is not openly talking about 'de-coupling' from China, which has begun to challenge its global dominance, but it might very well be. China has already established itself as a dominant power across Eurasia. More worryingly, China is militarily and economically threatening its neighbours, including Japan, Korea, Vietnam, Taiwan, Australia, Philippines, Indonesia and India. This collection of critical essays examines the impact, consequences and legacy of Kissinger's first, door-opening visit to China and how it has shaped world order.

Genres: China, Nonfiction, India, Politics

320 pages, Hardcover

Published November 16, 2021

About the author

Sanjaya Baru is an Indian political commentator and policy analyst, currently serving as Director for Geo-Economics and Strategy at the International Institute of Strategic Studies. Previously he had served as associate editor at The Economic Times and The Times of India, and then chief editor at Business Standard. His father B. P. R. Vithal served as Finance and Planning Secretary during former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh's stint as Secretary of Finance. Before he became a journalist, he was a member of Communist Party of India (Marxist) when he was a student at University of Hyderabad. He became Manmohan Singh's media advisor and chief spokesperson, a role in which he served from May 2004 until August 2008. In April 2014, Penguin India published The Accidental Prime Minister, Baru's tell-all memoir about his time at the Prime Minister's Office (PMO). In it, Baru alleges that the prime minister was completely subservient to Congress President Sonia Gandhi, who wielded significant influence in the running of the Singh administration, including the PMO itself. The book has sparked off a controversy, with the PMO officially denouncing it as "fiction". Baru, however, has said that he set out to show an empathetic portrait of the prime minister.

(from Wikipedia)

Reviews

[Dalia (book_o_creativity) · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5

“China is a sleeping lion. Let her sleep, for when she wakes, she will shake the world.”

In 1969, Richard Nixon, then President of US, appointed Dr. Henry Kissinger as his National Security Advisor. In July 1971, Henry Kissinger made a secret visit to China to meet top Chinese leaders including Mao Zedong. Kissinger's visit inaugurated a new phase in contemporary history. It ended the Cold War. But what followed is numerous strategic mistakes by US & the switch from realist pragmatism to liberal idealism. The ultimate goal of Mao and the successive generations was to create China, a rich, powerful, confident nation. Now China is catching up with US and its economic growth is threatening the neighbouring countries.

'A New Cold War' is a Political Nonfiction book focusing mainly on Geopolitical & Geo-economic growth of China after the Cold War & how it's progessing towards dominancy over the world. We all know that slowly and patiently China is acquiring assets & progressively turning the strategic game in China's favour. In this book various political analysts across the globe has critically analyzed how & when China has turned from a sleeping lion to an agressive one & what helped their steady rise despite Trump's erratic trade & technology war against China.

This book is a collection of well documented facts on Superpowers. Not only that, it's a collection of contemporary history as various political analysts analyze the whole scenario related to the rise of China as a superpower, political and strategic movements that changed the world and still changing is profoundly written with no biased views. Each chapter is meticulously arranged though they are not alligned in a timeline, they are based on different topics & written in critical essays, giving perspectives on Geopolitical, Geo-economic and regional relations. I find the language very diplomatic, definitely tough for beginner readers. This book demands at least some general knowledge on political matters especially on foreign relations. I would recommend this to political enthusiasts & advanced readers.

[Ishan Agrawal · Rating 4 out of 5]

Irrespective of how much we may abhor China as a country for its alleged involvement in spreading the novel Corona Virus across the world and also its constant rift and tribulations near our borders , there is no denying the fact that it has emerged as a superpower over the years . Not only economically it has grown by leaps and bounds but also its sheer military strength is something which every nation is beware of.

The book dwells some serious light on how it all started. From the beginning it delves deep into the peculiar circumstances in which US considered China as an ally in yesteryears and infact in 1971 USA National Security Advisor Henry Kissinger actually made a visit to The Red Dragon nation and how the two empires were silently involved in a secret pact for a large part of entire decade. It also draws parallel on how the US plan actually backfired and China by staying firm on their robust indigenous manufacturing system built an entire system at the behest of US and consequently the two powerhouse countries are today involved in a kind of cold war.

The book is written quite in detail and the narration is splendidly done. Starting from the cover along with the elaborative research in putting the meticulously crafted content needs some serious level of expertise . There are moments when one might feel there is overdose of information and many readers may not feel a deep connect with the book as it majorly concerns China and not our own country but the acute portrayal of situations is something that makes one crave for more.

Overall quite an enriching experience to read this book.

[Bindesh Dahal · Rating 4 out of 5]

Excellent collection.

[Harsh Tyagi · Rating 5 out of 5]

This majestic hardcover is a compilation of 19 critical essays by distinguished analysts across ten countries, examining the aftermaths of Henry Kissinger's secret visit to China back in July 1971. Henry Kissinger being the United Nations Security Advisor met top Chinese Leaders including Mao Zedong. For over 40 years the US helped China's economic growth and China grew militarily as well. After the Covid hit us, today US and China are engaged in a trade war, or a New Cold War. Meanwhile China is militarily and economically threatening it's neighbours.

A well written and efficiently documented set of facts about modern politics revealing that US is the reason behind what China is now. I'm usually away from talking about politics but this is high time to stay updated and aware of world events. A very informative book and a bit difficult to grasp without a basic understanding of political affairs or prior knowledge of it.

Needless to say, the book isn't for everyone, and only to be read if one has the interest in political affairs or the intention to learn about them.

[Saumya · Rating 4 out of 5]

In July 1971, USA national security Henry Kissinger rose to power, his secret meeting with the Chinese leader ultimately led to a new beginning of a relationship between these two countries and what made America invest in China economy and ultimately China rose to a position of a powerful country.

This book is a collection of essays on Kissinger and the relationship between China and how it emerged to be the super-power that it is today, forcing its neighbouring countries and influencing its neighbouring countries. America's intention was just to make China an independent country so that it can neutralize the cold war that is going on, and harmonize and adopt western philosophies like democracy. This is where the strategies of America went wrong, Giving China financial support, hoping it would make the change made the condition worse, China rose to a superpower, aid provided by America was spent by the chinese in their economy and building their military, which led to making China a powerful country as well as threatening the neighbouring country with its power.

The book is non-biased and written in an essay format.

My review

To be honest, I am the least of the person who is interested in politics or what changes did the government of the USA did that could affect us but after the recent events, I have realized that it is important to stay aware of what is happening not only in our country but also what is happening around the world as well as there is no better way to learn history & politics by looking back in past than just like history repeats itself it is important to be aware of what has happened in the past and what is going on in the present.

My take on this book - anyone who is interested in learning about Kissinger and its history and relationship with China should read this book.

[Suyogaya Awasthy · Rating 5 out of 5]

“Spare the conquered and confront the proud”. The line as stated above bears a poignant relationship with the overall theme and the context of the book at hand as the same verily takes us on a journey which shall enlighten us about the dynamism of International relations and how the same consists of way more than what meets the eyes.

Delving further, the length of the book is 269 pages and the main focus remains to be the 1971 event when the US National Security Advisor paid a visit to China with the nature of the entire event being surreptitious and the same entailed a greater sense of Co-Operation between the two countries and calling the single event to be the impetus that propelled China with its domineering status as to the global power context. The book consists of 19 chapters with the Introduction setting the tone of the book as it introduces the readers to the geopolitical implications of XINTIANDI.

The first chapter of the book titled Kissinger and China verily details the origins of Kissinger and how his role was relevant in shaping up the new world order that is China for the same marked deviation from the suppositions that seemed an obvious strategic action and when the aspect of secrecy was infused that birthed his penchant for secrecy. The chapter also details that how the new normal was achieved for the connotations of greater access to the splendors of both countries marked the achievement. The second chapter gives us a greater insight into many other facets of the visit as can be witnessed from titles such as “Realist Pragmatism versus liberal idealism” which lays bare the postulates and juxtaposes it concerning the visit. It is to be taken note of that as the chapters progress further, they verily highlight varying facets and implications concerning the prevailing politics as well and at the same instance makes us aware of the dynamism that pervades the domain of International Politics.

[Navya Sri · Rating 3 out of 5]

These collectives essays of 19 questions the possible world order that would arise as a out come of growing domination of China in both political and economic spheres with decline US power and influence. In short the essays presents 'shifting contractions of power with growing challenges in the international order' (Kishore Mahubani). The book is divided into two parts. In part one it tries to establish a chain of events that led to the possible domination of China and its recognition by US in the international society through diplomatic talks and official visits to the mainland in lieu to counter the Soviet rival. Second part, mostly focuses on the impact of these talks on the neighborhood countries such as India, Japan, Pakistan and South-East Asia. It tries to answer the power equilibrium in the present world and what should be India's grand strategy in pursuit of establishing dominance in the Indo-pacific region. 
This can be concluded in the three arguments presented in the book; one, the fascination of Kissinger and ground breaking diplomatic support presented by US towards China paved way for opening up of relations and unprecedented role played. Second, the strategic efforts put up by the China's nationalist leaders and their reconstructive policies and ideas in the post cold-war era led to new alliances and opening of economy. Third, the circumstances around the time with absence of strong counterbalance led to the override of old order.

[Zara · Rating 4 out of 5]

🖊 A collection of essays,Edited and Compiled by Mr.Sanjaya Baru,a prolific Political commentator and policy analyst and Mr.Rahul Sharma,Former President of the Public Affairs Forum of India.

🇨🇳 China’s expanding political and economic influence in the present world calls for a revisit to the ‘Rise of China’ as a dominating world power that has graduated to a new Cold War between USA and China.

🇨🇳 The main theme of the essays is focused on Henry Kissinger’s(US- National Security Advisor) secret visit to China in 1971 to meet the top Chinese leaders.Against the backdrop of a deteriorating USSR-China relations,Kissinger’s visit inaugurated a new phase in contemporary history which contributed to the end of the Cold War in 1991.

🇨🇳 A detailed analysis of the role of China in global politics and economy in terms of financial dominance and the consequences of its growing influence in the South Asian,East Asian and SE Asian countries is explained.

🇨🇳 The effect of the unprepared Sino- American rapproachment in India post the Sino-Soviet split and a change in India’s ideological orientation by adopting ‘Gandhian Socialism’ can be decoded from the perspective of Indian Economic Policy.

A highly informative read to anyone interested in Geo-Politics,International Affairs and Foreign Diplomacy.

[Tigerica · Rating 4 out of 5]

With a base of global political news about China and the US, and their relationship after the pandemic. China is becoming a superpower, but what is the role of US in making China the superpower it is today?

269 pages long, the book is divided into 19 chapters giving us a deep dive US-China relations. In 1971, United States National Security Advisor Henry Kissinger secretly visited China to end the Cold War when the United States was under the Nixon administration.

A closer look reveals that the book focuses primarily on the 1971 events of the US National Security Adviser's visit to China, and the generally secret nature of the events. a unique event, the driving force that has pushed China to a dominant position in the context of a world power. The book consists of 19 chapters, and the "Introduction" section sets the tone for the book by introducing the reader to the geopolitical significance of the New World.

Every section is thematically written, and provides information on financial and local relationships. The language instructive, and a little challenging for inexperienced readers. To some extent, this book gives broad political knowledge.

This might not be an easy book to read but is informative and useful. A lengthy and comprehensive read with good grasp on geo-politics.

Rating- 4/5

[Craartology · Rating 4 out of 5]

A New Cold War: Henry Kissinger and the Rise of China, is an enlightening collection of essays that display the impact and results of the US National Security Advisor- Henry Kissinger’s secret visit to China in 1971. The covert visit initiated a new global order in the geo-political sphere affecting economic and military pacts between nations of the world.

A pact that anticipated China to adopt democracy, powered by the America using Pakistan as a conduit to China is now showing its suppressing consequences. The China of today that has established its itself as a dominant leader is brazenly flexing its military and economic muscle threatening its neighboring countries, now a competitor to the America that funded its growth.

Sanjay Baru and Rahul Sharma have edited this book that describes the world of today and what caused it to come to this state. The contributors to this collection of essays attempt to analyse and highlight the effects of the pact signed four decades ago- the threatened US dominance, stability in South Asia and India’s stance in this volatile and fickle scenario.

Intriguing. Insightful. Immersive. Is a how my experience reading this book has been. Do invest in this worthwhile set of critical essays they share a lot in a lucid tone for novices and enthusiasts with precision.

[Vidhika Yadav · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book isn't about entertainment or fun; rather, it's about power and the most powerful thing of all — knowledge and information.
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So we read a lot of world political news about China and the United States, and there was a lot of news about their relationship after the pandemic. China is on the verge of becoming a superpower, but what if we say it is where it is now because of the United States? That is, after all, the subject of this book!
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In 269 pages, this book contains 19 critical essays contributed by people from various regions. This book transports us back almost half a century to when Henry Kissinger, the US National Security Advisor, visited China and how it influenced the politics of the time (when the US was at odds with the Soviet Union) and how it influenced the politics of today ( The Rise Of China ). This visit was to end a cold war that resulted in China's thriving economy, trade, and military power, which the country is now exploiting and even causing chaos in neighbouring countries.
.
This book was both educational and entertaining to read.
If you enjoy learning about world politics and international relations, this is something you should definitely pick!

[Ekta M · Rating 3 out of 5]

This books discusses about the Henry Kissinger's visit to china and how did it changed the world. This book is a result of a Zoom call by several diplomats like Teresita Schaffer, Kishore Mahbubani, Kanti Bajpai, Rana Mitter, Chung Min Lee, etc.
The book has 19 essays contributed by several people.
The essays seek to understand the role played by Kissinger both as a senior US government functionary and as a lobbyist for China in global corridors of power. The essays are divided into 2 sections - those that examine the global implications of US - China reset and those that look at this process from the perspective of select countries.

I cant say I enjoyed reading this book but I loved gaining the information and insights about the secret visit by Kissinger. It was very informative. I am always keen to read on such topics. It was a time consuming read and you need to have a pretty active mind to understand the book.
Those who are interested to read on Geo Politics can go for this book.

[Shreemanti · Rating 5 out of 5]

China is on the news every now and then, so when I was given a chance to read this book - I couldn't say no!

China was not in the limelight until late twentieth century. It rose in its position because of USA's strategy to win the cold war. USA wanted a buffer that would be independent and could influence the neighbouring countries in various ways and make these countries join and neutralize or even win the cold war. Henry Kissinger, an American diplomat and former Secretary of State, played an important role in forming this alias and building China's economy.

There are various points where USA went wrong in their game plan.This book is a collection of essays divided on the basis of Geopolitical and Geo-economic perspective and Regional perspective. The essays are beautifully written and very easily conveys the information!

History and international relations being my favourite subject, I loved this book thoroughly!

If you are interested in knowing more about how China became a super power or even you are interested in political history you can give this book a read!

[Anjali Sharma · Rating 5 out of 5]

The year 2021 marks the fiftieth anniversary of a historic reconciliation between the world's most populous communist country and the world's most powerful capitalist country, it was the meeting between Mao and Henry Kissinger. The reset in US - China relationship in July 1971 played a vital part in ending the old cold War but the times have changed now and the US - China relationship is more strained than ever. Is this the start of A new Cold War or has it already started ?

This book is educational, insightful and analytical. It is divided into two parts : Geopolitical & Geoeconomic Perspectives and Regional Perspectives. The book is a collection of writeups by eminent personalities. I love reading columns by C. Raja Mohan sir who is a leading columnist of The Indian Express and writes on international relations, he and other experts like him have contributed their thoughts to this book. It's a great book that will provide food for thought and broaden your perspective on the subject matter.

[Harsh Kaushik · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book collects essays about Kissinger and China's relations, how it became the global power it is presently, trying to force its surrounding countries to influence their neighbour. The U.S. only intended that China be autonomous so as to defuse the current cold war and harmonise and embrace Western ideas such as democratization.
As UN Security Advisor, Henry Kissinger met with top Chinese leaders, among whom was Mao Zedong. The US has aided China's economic growth for more than 40 years and China has also increased militarily. Now the US and China have been locked in a battle (or a new cold war) after the Covid hit us. In the meantime, China is pressuring its neighbours militarily and economically.
A clearly stated, well-documented set of Modern Political Facts demonstrate that the US is the cause of what China is present. I'm typically distant from discussing politics, but time has come to be updated and conscious of global happenings. A highly interesting book that is a bit hard to follow without even a basic comprehension or prior experience of political issues.

[Aastha Goel · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is a collection of 19 critical essays by distinguished analysts across 10 countries examining the result and the legacy of Kissinger's historical journey to China, his role in the rise of China and how that, in turn, is shaping a new world order.

It talks about how the US is behind the inevitable rise of China, both economically and militarily.
The US helped China in the hope that Beijing would turn a new political leaf by joining the US-led global liberal economic and political system.

It further talks about how to deal with a globally competitive and powerful China the US should invest in the capabilities of its people and in the institutions and infrastructure needed to build those capabilities.

This book is full of well researched facts about modern politics.
It is very informative but not everyone can understand this book without knowing about the subject.

I would recommend it to people who love to read about politics and want to gain knowledge on this particular topic.

[Tanu Setia · Rating 4 out of 5]

A New Cold War is collection of 19 essays by Analysts of 10 Nations about US National Security Advisor Henry Kissinger's secret visit to China in 1971 and it's long term impact on US, China and rest of the World.

The Essays cover the impact of the event and its role in changing US-China relations. The critical yet powerful move contributed to the end of Cold War in 1991, making US the sole superpower. It also aided China's economic growth. Today, these two superpowers are once again in a state of Cold War, referred to as "The New Cold War".

50 yeas later, this book talks about how a secret visit changed the course of history and geopolitics and created a new world order.
A strong and sensible move at this stage can yield long lasting impact on the World History, again!
I thoroughly enjoyed reading and analysing the essays. My major takeaway is for sure the power/art of Diplomacy.

[Avidd_Readerr · Rating 4 out of 5]

A New Cold War is crew of 19 articles by Political analyst of 10 Nation-states about US National Security Consultant Henry Kissinger's surreptitious social call to China in 1971 and its extended stretch influence on US, China and rest of the Realm. The theses seek out to comprehend the protagonist amuse yourself by Kissinger in cooperation as a high-ranking US government bureaucrat and as a supplicant for China in worldwide access strip of supremacy. A meticulous examination of the title role of China in comprehensive political affairs and economy in footings of pecuniary domination and the significances of its on the rise encouragement in the South Asian, East Asian and SE Asian nations is enlightened. Book anxieties at slightest particular all-purpose acquaintance on dogmatic staples specifically on overseas associations.

[Aditi Singh · Rating 5 out of 5]

A new cold war - Henry Kissinger and the rise of China by the authors Sanjaya Baru and Rahul Sharma. This good book is an assemblage of 19 articles on Kissinger and the rise in the relationship between China and China's expansion of powers. When in July 1971, UNS advisor Henry Kissinger made a secret visit to China to meet top Chinese leaders that included Mao Zedong. And even for over 40 years United States helped China's money-making growth. This new cold war describes all the must knowing facts about how China is now and United States is the leading cause behind this all. A very well written and important read as I say for all. I recommend this book to those who's more attentive concerning foreign affairs and politics.

[Ritesh Nag · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is a collection of essays scrutinising the “Rise of China” after Opening of US towards China in the aftermath of Henry Kissinger’s visit

The book is divided into 2 parts

Part 1 discusses about the effects of these opening up and chances of another Cold War (this time between US and China)

Part 2 examines the rise of China from the perspective of different nations (India, Britain, South East Asian nations, Russia and Japan)

A good read with a lot of insights

[Sejuti Majumdar · Rating 4 out of 5]

A New Cold war is a historical fiction that tells about the rise of China and Henry Kissinger who was responsible for it.

The book is difficult and unfortunately I couldn't complete it but I do wish to pick it up again.

If you are a lover of world history you can definitely check this book out.

[Rakesh Ohan · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Must Read Book

The book provides a window to peep into the 50 years of Asian geopolitics. An enjoyable account by knowledgeable people in the field. Thanks to Mr Sanjay Baru for the efforts he has put in.