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Competition between America and China has intensified since 2009, creating even greater risks of conflict. Why is this so and what can be done about it? This book identifies the mistakes China and America made in their mutual relations and explain their causes and consequences. Drawing on international relations theory and historical lessons they develop a holistic approach to conflict management and resolution. It is based on a sophisticated staging of deterrence,
reassurance, and diplomacy. Minimal deterrence combined with multiple forms of reassurance and sustained diplomatic efforts to reduce or finesse key areas of conflict offer the promising pathway for America and China to enhance their security and buttress their self-esteem.
About the author
Feng Zhang is Professor of International Relations at the Institute of Public Policy in Guangzhou, China.
Richard Ned Lebow is Professor of International Political Theory in the War Studies Department of King's College London; Bye-Fellow of Pembroke College, University of Cambridge; and James O. Freedman Presidential Professor, Emeritus, at Dartmouth College.
Summary
Competition between America and China has intensified since 2009, creating even greater risks of conflict. Why is this so and what can be done about it? In Taming Sino-American Rivalry, Feng Zhang and Richard Ned Lebow reject the prevailing idea that competition between a dominant and a rising power must necessarily lead to conflict. Rather, they identify the mistakes that both countries have made and explain the causes and consequences of their missteps. Drawing on international relations theory and lessons from history, they develop a comprehensive approach to conflict management and resolution that balances deterrence, reassurance, and diplomacy. A challenge to the prevailing pessimism, Taming Sino-American Rivalry is essential reading for anyone interested in understanding the world's most important bilateral relationship.
Additional text
The boldest chapters of Taming Sino-American Rivalry fearlessly critique both American and Chinese foreign policy 'mistakes.' Zhang and Lebow put forward what must be one of the most even-handed critiques of the two countries' policies ever attempted.
