Big Dragon: The Future of China: What It Means for Business, the Economy, and the Global Order - Softcover

Burstein, Daniel

Softcover

ISBN 10: 0684853663 ISBN 13: 9780684853666

Publisher: Free Press, 1999

Synopsis

In BIG DRAGON, Dan Burstein joins with China specialist Arne de Keijzer to offer a comprehensive look at China and its future. They suggest that no other country poses such significant business and political questions for the West and therefore the business world must develop new strategies for dealing with China. The authors present a practical blueprint for business people, policy makers and concerned citizens alike for maximising opportunity (economic as well as political) and minimising any chance of conflict. In dealing with China, the book warns that the West will have to revise its elitist view that its principles and mores are superior, whether culturally, economically or politically. China, the authors say, will have to be dealt with on its own terms. If the West fails to do so, it will have dire consequences for the world. The authors articulate a fresh, intelligent, and innovative business and political strategy, rooted in realistic assessments of where China is coming from and where it is headed. BIG DRAGON's strength lies in its recognition of the possible conflicts, but also in the way it clearly identifies the way toward a creation of a new mutuality of economic and political interest between the West and China.

About this title

Review:

China by the year 2030 will be not only the world's most populous nation, but also the world's largest economy, a superpower in every sense of the word. Its emergence as "the biggest player in the history of man", in the words of former Singapore prime minister Lee Kuan Yew, will shift the global balance of wealth and power in the next millennium. Big Dragon draws a nuanced portrait of the historic changes now underway in China and drafts a practical blueprint for maintaining constructive Sino-American relations. The book is must reading for anyone concerned with international business, finance or politics. That should include almost everyone.

Coauthors Daniel Burstein and Arne de Keijzer show a deep understanding of China's rich culture and manifold complexities as a society. Burstein is an investment banker who has written four other books on global economic issues, including Yen!, on the Japanese economy. Arne de Keijzer consults with companies doing business in China and is the author of three guides to the country, including China: Business Strategies for the '90s.

The authors analyze both the challenges and the opportunities posed by China in the next century. Without airbrushing China's authoritarian government, geopolitical ambitions or abysmal record on human rights, Big Dragon seeks to counter the views of some in the U.S. who conclude that China is the enemy. Burstein and de Keijzer believe China is unlikely to become militarily aggressive, though the status of Taiwan involves the potential for conflict. They believe China will not disintegrate like the Soviet Union, though regions will continue to struggle with Beijing for greater autonomy, perhaps bringing about a degree of federalism. Big Dragon profiles many individual Chinese entrepreneurs and others who are bringing a new China into being. From the transformations the Chinese have already wrought, the authors believe that China's journey down the path toward a pluralistic economy and even a form of democracy is irreversible.

If so, the best policy for the U.S. and other powers is what the authors call "dynamic engagement" with China. They favour continued, normal trade as the only means to persuade China to do better on human rights and in other areas of conflict, such as intellectual piracy. They favour integrating China into the world economy through membership in the World Trade Organization and other international bodies. And they favour a broad expansion of U.S.-China exchange programs involving students, elected officials and community leaders.

Big Dragon is a useful antidote to the cartoon versions of China proffered in some books and in many Western news media. Burstein and de Keijzer communicate a sense of China's complex diversity. Like any nation--more so, because of its size-- China is full of contradictions. Putting them in perspective and gaining a better sense of where they may lead will be hugely important in understanding the shape of the world to come. Big Dragon is an excellent guide. --Barry Mitzman

Review:

Robert A. Kapp President, The U.S.-China Business Council Big Dragon is the book of the year....should be read by everyone with an interest in the U.S.-China relationship.

Jeffrey E. Garten Harvard Business Review The authors skillfully navigate through the minefield of tensions inherent in relations between the United States and China....A thoughtful discussion about problems and possibilities, eventually arriving at a sensible and balanced prescription.

The Philadelphia Inquirer A well-written, richly detailed appraisal of "the work in progress that is China..".provides a wealth of substantive information and fresh insights....An original, valuable addition to the worldwide dialogue about China's future global impact.

The Washington Post A sensible tome...written in a sprightly style helped along by thought-provoking quotes from a variety of China watchers.

About this edition

• Publisher: Free Press
• Publication date: 1999
• ISBN 10: 0684853663
• ISBN 13: 9780684853666
• Binding: Paperback
• Number of pages: 420