Does America’s policy toward China make sense? In this vigorous look at China’s political evolution and its future, Mann explores two scenarios popular among our policy elite. The soothing scenario foresees the gradual spread of democracy and human rights. In the upheaval scenario, the contradictions in Chinese society between rich and poor and between the openness of the economy and the unyielding Leninist system will eventually lead to a revolution, chaos, or collapse.
Mann poses a third scenario: What will happen if Chinese capitalism continues to evolve and expand but the government fails to liberalize? And why should this matter to Americans? Mann explores this scenario and offers a startling vision of our future with China that will have a profound impact for decades to come.
James Mann, previously Beijing bureau chief for the Los Angeles Times, is author-in-residence at Johns Hopkins University's Paul H. Nitze School of Advanced International Studies. He is the author of Rise of the Vulcans, About Face, and Beijing Jeep. He lives in Silver Springs, Maryland.
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