by Noah Feldman
First published 2015
The Cold War has ended, but Noah Feldman identifies a new global contest taking shape. America and China now compete for dominance across continents, from Asia to the Middle East where U.S.-backed Israel faces Chinese-backed Iran. This "Cool War" differs from past superpower conflicts because the rivals depend on each other economically. Chinese exports to America represent nearly a quarter of China's trade, while China holds eight percent of American debt. Feldman examines China's political system, arguing that hereditary "princelings" work alongside merit-based officials and reform advocates. He analyzes how competition could strengthen both nations or trigger economic collapse and military conflict. The author makes the case for competitive cooperation as the path forward that preserves peace while allowing both powers to benefit.
Genres: history, international-relations, american, political-science, non-fiction, 21st-century, current-affairs, academic
Vibes: intimate, suspenseful, thought-provoking
Tropes: competitive-cooperation, enemies-to-lovers
Setting: America, China, Israel, Iran, Middle East
Period: Cold War, 21st Century
224 pages · Paperback · Random House Trade Paperbacks