Description
Book SynopsisThough a US-China conflict is far from inevitable, major tensions are building in the Asia-Pacific region. These strains are the result of historical enmity, cultural divergence, and deep ideological estrangement, not to mention apprehensions fueled by geopolitical competition and the closely related “security dilemma.” Despite worrying signs of intensifying rivalry, few observers have provided concrete paradigms to lead this troubled relationship away from disaster. This book is dramatically different in that Lyle J. Goldstein’s focus is on laying bare both US and Chinese perceptions of where their interests clash and proposing new paths to ease bilateral tensions through compromise. Each chapter contains a “cooperation spiral” —the opposite of an escalation spiral—to illustrate these policy proposals. Goldstein makes one hundred policy proposals over the course of this book to inaugurate a genuine debate regarding cooperative policy solutions to the most vexing problems in US-China relations. Goldstein not only parses findings from American scholarship but also breaks new ground by analyzing hundreds of Chinese-language sources, including military publications, never before evaluated by Western experts. Meeting China Halfway, new in paperback, remains a refreshing and unique contribution to the study of the world’s most important bilateral relationship.
Trade ReviewLyle Goldstein has written a timely and thoughtful book. . . . [He] impresses by making 100 proposals in all. Many of these are highly pragmatic. . . . This is a brilliant book, touching on all the critical issues shaping the most important bilateral relationship of our day. It should be read by leaders and policymakers on both sides. * Survival *
Presents an exceptionally clear and subtle analysis of the evolving U.S.-Chinese relationship. . . . He spells out in more detail than anyone else has yet. . . . His proposals for the early stages are intriguing. * Foreign Affairs *
Essential reading for anyone interested in US foreign relations or contemporary China. * H-Net *
The author brings a unique combination of expertise, conviction, and experience. . . . [He] deftly covers the history and the ever-growing, complex development in the bilateral relations. Whether one agrees with the central thrust of the book or specific policy steps, one will learn much from his work. Even if policymakers do not choose to follow the cooperation spirals, they will be better off being reminded of such potentials presented by this empirically grounded and passionately imaginative book. * Proceedings *
His identification . . . and analysis of what is at stake in each policy area are worth the price of the book, as they are exceptionally well informed and sophisticated. * Political Science Quarterly *
Remarkable . . . creatively challenges the confrontation ethos which appears to be taking over Washington. -- Doug Bandow * Cato at Liberty *
Ambitious . . . Any China Watcher will get something out of [the] close reading of Chinese and English policy and military documents. * Joint Forces Quarterly *
Offers an interesting, though largely hypothetical, look at the steps both nations might take to build trust and work toward a cooperative, mutually beneficial relationship. Academic in tone and scope, this timely book would appeal to scholars and laymen interested in its thoughtful proposals, along with an overview of the conflicts that both nations face. * Foreword Review *
A must read for anyone concerned about the current trajectory of US-China relations. . . . it puts forward constructive policy proposals about how these major powers might move on from an 'escalation spiral' in their relationship to a 'cooperation spiral.' * Contemporary Southeast Asia *
With an approach based not just on Western scholarship but studies of hundreds of Chinese-language resources, including military publications, Meeting China Halfway offers a powerful focus no study of Chinese/US relations should be without. * Donovan's Literary Services *
Table of Contents1. Introduction: Reversing the Escalation Spiral 2. Bad Blood: The Legacy of History for US-China Relations 3. Imagine: The Taiwan Question and US-China Relations 4. Mutually Assured Dependence: Economic Aspects of US-China Relations 5. Toxic Embrace: The Environment and US-China Relations 6. “South–South” Pivot: The Developing World and US-China Relations 7. Persian Spring: The Middle East and US-China Relations 8. Bipolarity Reconsidered: The Korean Peninsula and US-China Relations 9. Keystone: Japan and US-China Relations 10. The New “Fulda Gap”: Southeast Asia and US-China Relations 11. Alter Ego: India and US-China Relations 12. Conclusion: Rebalancing the Rebalance: Mitigating Strategic Rivalry in US-China Relations Index
