The China Questions

“Cuts through the cacophony of information, misinformation, and nonsense on China that circulates in our modern world to give us reliable answers to crucial questions… Should be on the shelf of anyone seeking to understand this fast-rising superpower.”

—Ian Johnson, author of The Souls of China



After years of isolation, China is now center stage as an economic and global power, but its rise has triggered wildly divergent views. Is it a model of business efficiency or a threat to American prosperity and security? Thirty-six of the world’s leading China experts from Harvard University’s renowned Fairbank Center for Chinese Studies answer key questions about this new superpower, distilling a lifetime of scholarship into short and accessible essays about Chinese politics, culture, history, economy, approach to the environment, and foreign policy. Their contributions provide essential insight into the challenges China faces, the aspirations of its people and leaders, its business climate, and the consequences of its meteoric ascent. Many books offer information about China, but few make sense of what is truly at stake.



“Impressive… A highly informative, readable collection for scholars and nonscholars alike.”

—Publishers Weekly



“Provides a more nuanced and accessible perspective on the issues China is facing.”

—South China Morning Post



“Erudite yet accessible… The topical reach is impressive.”

—Jeffrey Wasserstrom, author of China in the 21st Century