Description
Book SynopsisChina's geo-economic vision is transforming the Eurasian continent. Acclaimed foreign policy experts recount their travels across Central Asia, bearing witness through interviews and personal experience to the growing Chinese influence in the region, and what this means for those both within and beyond the boundaries of its 'inadvertent empire'.
Trade ReviewSinostan is the perfect place to start for anyone who wants to understand the transformative force that is shaping the future of Eurasia. * Andrew Small *
The book is informative, insightful and entertaining. Throughout, readers can appreciate the keen eye, sharp analytical mind and wit of the authors. * Nargis Kassenova, International Affairs *
A compelling geopolitical travelogue... * Isabel Hilton, Financial Times *
[Sinostan] is an invaluable work on a relatively obscure region and is surprisingly vivid for an academically minded text, with much fascinating detail from the authors travels across the vast region. * Oliver Farry, Irish Times *
Sinostan delivers a... comprehensive evaluation of the extent of China's influence in Central Asia today. * Adeeb Khalid, Times Literary Supplement *
Offers illuminating and relevant insights into the Sino-Russian relationship... The unique blend of travelogue and geopolitics, which makes for an accessible read. * George Magnus, LSE Blogs *
... Sinostan should be on the reading list of any individual who is trying to understand the China-Russia relationship in these uncertain times.... a rich and thought-provoking work. * Hugh Jones, LSE Blog *
a lively narrative filled with real people and genuine human interest... a deeply researched book that makes for fascinating reading. * Valerie Hansen, Los Angeles Review of Books *
If you want to get your head around China's foreign policy priorities, you can do worse than dedicate a few quiet hours to Sinostan... * David Dodwell, South China Morning Post *
... a timely and nuanced picture of China's aims and behavior in the region... Their approach presents what is actually happening in reality rather than the fevered dreams of some policymakers. * Joshua Huminski, Diplomatic Courier *
... an extensively researched telling of Beijings rising power in Central Asia, unvarnished by agenda or a desire to construct smooth grand narratives... the book lays out a convincing case for viewing China as a detached regional power. Central Asia may be the belt in the Belt and Road Initiative, but it is a loose fit. * Maximilian Hess, Eurasianet *
... a detailed picture of how China is operating outside its borders. * Mark Broatch, NZ Listener *
A sparkling, carefully observed account that offers an outstanding close-up view of a set of new worlds being formed out of sight of most commentators. Filled with insights and necessary reading for anyone interested in the rise of China, Central Asia and global geopolitics. * Peter Frankopan, University of Oxford, and author of The Silk Roads: The Extraordinary History that created your World *
A powerful book on a topic of huge importance. * Rana Mitter, Professor of the History and Politics of Modern China, University of Oxford *
The book reads like an exhausting travelogue: taxis here, airport queues there, meetings with sources everywhere. What this first hand narrative approach does well is capture the swirling sense of intrigue and ambiguity that can envelop Central Asia. * Christopher Ruane, Asian Affairs 54.2 *
Table of ContentsIntroduction 1: Beyond the Heavenly Mountains 2: Developing the New Frontier 3: Cake, Heaven Sent 4: Silk Road or Synthetic Road? 5: Confucius on the Oxus 6: Spreading the 'Shanghai Spirit' 7: The New Great Wall 8: Inheriting Afghanistan? 9: Tying Up the World: The Silk Road Economic Belt Conclusion
