Power Shift: China and Asia's New Dynamics [Paperback]

David Shambaugh (Editor)

Book Description

ISBN-10: 0520245709 | ISBN-13: 978-0520245709 | Publication Date: January 17, 2006 | Edition: 1

The dynamics of international relations in Asia are undergoing broad and fundamental changes that are reverberating around the world. Primary among the catalysts of change in the region is the rise of China as the engine of regional economic growth, as a major military power, as a significant voice in regional diplomacy, and as a proactive power in multilateral institutions. With in-depth assessments by seventeen of the world's leading experts on China's foreign relations, this groundbreaking volume offers the most timely, up-to-date, and comprehensive analysis of China's emerging influence on international relations in Asia.
The contributors explore the various dimensions of China's rise, its influence on the region, the consequences for the United States, and alternative models of the evolving Asian order. What emerges is a clear picture of China increasingly at the center of the regional web; while North Korean and Taiwan could erupt in conflict, the predominant trend in Asia is the creation of an extensive web of mutual interdependence among states and non-state actors. Providing the best overview we currently have of the changing political balance on the Asian continent, this accessible volume will be essential reading for anyone concerned with contemporary Asian affairs.

Editorial Reviews

From the Inside Flap

"This is an extremely important and valuable volume. The analysis is fresh and compelling throughout, and the material reflects the contributors' broad knowledge and sensitivity to ongoing developments in the region."--T.J. Pempel, director, Institute of East Asian Studies, University of California, Berkeley

"There is no competing work with this breadth, depth, up-to-date coverage, and absolute top drawer of China specialists. Superior scholarship is apparent in the high level of insight and information throughout this outstanding, superbly written work." --Allen Whiting, The University of Arizona

"In a time of rapid Chinese ascendancy, it is fortunate to have a comprehensive treatment of China's position in Asia by a group of prominent scholars. While new developments are constantly taking place in this revolutionary era, these essays are well researched, balanced, and insightful--providing an excellent basis from which to assess what is to come."--Robert A. Scalapino, Robson Research Professor of Government Emeritus, University of California, Berkeley

"This stimulating book is admirably suited for those seeking a better understanding of the underlying issues relating to China's expanding power and an informed basis for assessing the widely divergent views that are being expressed on the subject. Professor Shambaugh has assembled an outstanding roster of world-class scholars on China whose contributions are noteworthy for their readability, their careful marshaling of relevant facts, and their interpretive insights. The result is this superb volume."--J. Stapleton Roy, former U.S. Ambassador to China, Indonesia, and Singapore

"This outstanding collection of essays, written by leading scholars from around the world, takes an unusually comprehensive look at the subject, addressing China's growing economic clout and diplomatic influence as well as its impact on regional security. It also makes an important contribution to the growing debate over the consequences of China's rise for American interests. This volume is essential reading for anyone interested in Chinese foreign policy or the international relations of the Asia-Pacific region."--Harry Harding, University Professor, The George Washington University

About the Author

David Shambaugh is Professor of Political Science and International Affairs and Director of the China Policy Program at the Elliott School of International Affairs, George Washington University. He is also a Non-Resident Senior Fellow in Foreign Policy Studies at the Brookings Institution. He has written and edited many books, including Modernizing China's Military: Progress, Problems, and Prospects (California, 2004), Making China Policy: Lessons from the Bush and Clinton Administrations (2001), The Modern Chinese State (2000), and The China Reader: The Reform Era (1999).

Product Details

• Paperback: 402 pages
• Publisher: University of California Press; 1 edition (January 17, 2006)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0520245709
• ISBN-13: 978-0520245709
• Product Dimensions: 8.8 x 6 x 1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.2 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 3.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #604,312 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

0 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Chinese Railroad Expansion, November 19, 2008

By 

Nathan Arnold "Nathan" (Kansas City, MO) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Power Shift: China and Asia's New Dynamics (Paperback)

An excellent book. The Bush and Garver articles in this anthology touch on Chinese railway infrastructural development. Assigned readings for my Troy University course for the MSIR.

4 of 11 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars Overestimates China's influence and power, January 11, 2008

By 

Michael Emmett Brady "mandmbrady" (Bellflower, California ,United States) - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)    (REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Power Shift: China and Asia's New Dynamics (Paperback)

The 16 essays in this book are combined into 6 different parts,with each of the different parts emphasizing a different aspect of the rise of China-impacts on Taiwan and Japan,regional power shifts,
economics,security,implications for the United States,etc. All of the essays in this book essentially assume that the economic statistics extant in 2006 were accurate estimates of Chinese economic growth.They then make projections about relative increases in Chinese political,military,and regional power dependent on these economic estimates.It is here that the essays are all mistaken.

The World Bank reestimated Chinese GDP(gross domestic product)figures in late 2007.Based on revised purchasing power parity adjustments, reflecting revised adjustments of relative Chinese prices vis-a vis American prices,it was realized that Chinese prices were being adjusted upward far too much.Revised figures show that China's GDP is not in the $10-$11 trillion range ,as compared to the USA's roughly $ 13 trillion gdp, but is no more than $6 trillion .

The result is that China's political,military,and regional power has been substantially overestimated.The readers of this book need to take this new information into account when evaluating the conclusions and projections made in these essays.Similar miscalculations were made about the old Soviet Union's economic growth rates in the period from 1928-1960.These also resulted in assessments of Soviet military and political power that were far too optimistic.