Description
Book SynopsisTrade Review"2019 War on the Rocks Holiday Reading List"
"This is the first book to provide a comprehensive history of China’s military doctrine as it has evolved since the founding of the People’s Republic."
---Andrew J. Nathan, Foreign Affairs"Meticulously analyzes China’s military strategy since 1945 . . . . A classic that is likely to have great long-term influence . . . . In this unstable environment, Professor Fravel’s book could hardly be timelier."
---Chas W. Freeman, Jr., Book Post"This book is an outstanding contribution to the canon on Chinese military and strategic affairs . . . . Fravel’s new book is an instant classic and a mandatory reference source. I would recommend this volume to students of Chinese foreign policy, international relations, and military affairs without reservation."
---James Mulvenon, China Quarterly"Taylor is an authority on the People’s Liberation Army, and his latest book is deeply researched and based on primary materials, providing a picture of the ways in which strategic thought in the Chinese military context has evolved over the years. It’s easy to recommend as a necessary reference volume for anyone writing on China’s contemporary approach to military affairs, rich in context and history."
---Ankit Panda, War on the Rocks"An invaluable reference with great intellectual rigor and excellent explanation of sources and methods,
Active Defense belongs in a prominent place in the bookshelf of all serious students of China security issues."
---Andrew S. Erickson, Journal of Chinese Political Science"Fravel’s book is a worthwhile read. China experts and enthusiasts will find it especially compelling, as will those interested in military strategy."
---Shai A. Kivity, Israel Journal of Foreign Affairs