This book is full of thought-provoking, well-argued arguments that are certain to interest China watchers around the world. South China Morning Post This book is full of thought-provoking, well-argued arguments that are certain to interest China watchers around the world. South China Morning Post David Shambaugh lays out some bold speculations about possible futures for China that will make even seasoned China hands rethink their assumptions. It is critical reading from one of our most astute observers of that country. Francis Fukuyama, Stanford University While it is not possible to predict China's future, it is possible to assay the contradictory forces that are propelling it forward. Bringing his years of experience and deep insight to bear, David Shambaugh has met this daunting challenge with great perception, balance and concision. Orville Schell, Arthur Ross Director, Center on US-China Relations, Asia Society Anyone desiring to understand the debate over China's future underway among China's top leadership can do no better than Shambaugh's concise book. John Garver, Georgia Institute of Technology, Convincing Foreign Affairs This is an extremely important book that deserves a wide readership among government officials, and those in the business community with aspirations to tap into the country's huge market. New Zealand International Review David Shambaugh skilfully negotiates the tightrope between speculation and quantitative evidence and, in doing so, offers a valuable insight into the social contexts at play in postulating the probable future pathways that China may pursue Europe-Asia Studies