"The Chinese Calculus of Deterrence" by Allen S. Whiting offers a comprehensive exploration of Chinese military and foreign policy strategies from the mid-20th century to the early 2000s. Whiting, a renowned expert in Chinese political and military affairs, thoroughly examines China's approach to deterrence and its implications for regional security in this insightful book.
Whiting provides readers with a historical context, tracing the development of China's nuclear capabilities and its strategic calculations during the Cold War era. By delving into the interplay between China's domestic politics and its external security concerns, the author sheds light on the complexities of the country's deterrence strategy.
One of the standout features of Whiting's work is his ability to present intricate concepts in a clear and accessible manner, devoid of unnecessary jargon. This makes the book appealing to both specialists and general readers with an interest in international relations. As Whiting lays out a comprehensive historical background, readers gain a nuanced understanding of the evolution of Chinese deterrence, allowing for a deeper appreciation of its current implications.
Available on Audible
The strength of Whiting's analysis lies in its thorough and balanced nature. He considers various perspectives and takes into account both external and internal factors that shape China's decision-making process. Furthermore, the author explores the influence of Chinese culture and history on their approach to deterrence, offering unique insights into the country's strategic thinking.
For anyone seeking a deeper understanding of China's military and foreign policy perspectives, "The Chinese Calculus of Deterrence" is an invaluable resource. Whiting's expertise and extensive research shine through, making the book a must-read for scholars and policymakers alike.
What are readers saying?
"The Chinese Calculus of Deterrence" by Allen S. Whiting has received a range of opinions from readers, both positive and negative. Readers generally appreciate the book's comprehensive coverage of Chinese strategic thinking and deterrence theory, finding it valuable for understanding Chinese defense policies. The book delves into China's military strategies, providing historical context and rationale behind their deterrence calculations.
However, some readers have criticized the book's dense and academic writing style, finding it challenging to follow at times. The heavy use of academic jargon and technical language makes it less accessible to a general audience. Additionally, a few reviewers have noted that the book lacks a clear structure, making it difficult to navigate through different sections.
Another concern raised by readers is that the book's information may be outdated, as it was originally published in 1975. They suggest that a more recent edition or an updated analysis would be beneficial in understanding China's current deterrence strategies.
Despite these criticisms, Whiting's book is praised for its meticulous research and the author's expertise in the subject matter. Readers find the historical context and insights into China's mindset valuable for understanding their approach to deterrence. Many reviewers highlight the book's detailed analysis of China's military capabilities and their strategic objectives.
Overall, "The Chinese Calculus of Deterrence" offers a comprehensive exploration of Chinese deterrence theory and expands on the historical context of China's military strategies. While some readers critique the writing style and outdated information, it remains a valuable read for those interested in understanding Chinese defense policies and strategic thinking. It provides an in-depth analysis of China's military strategies, their historical context, and their strategic objectives, even though the dense academic writing style and lack of structure may pose challenges for some readers. However, the book's meticulous research and the author's expertise make it a valuable resource for understanding China's approach to deterrence. It is important to note that the information may be outdated, and readers suggest a more recent edition or an updated analysis to gain insights into China's current deterrence strategies.
TheChineseCalculus DeterrenceBook StrategicCalculations