The myth of American liberalism

In his latest book, “Illiberal America: A History”, the Pulitzer Prize winning historian Steven Hahn explores a country that, remains deeply divided in terms of ethnicity, language, religion, wealth and educational achievement.

Vampire state

China’s diplomatic and military assertiveness is built on the economic success generated by the adoption of capitalist economics to buy off the population after Tiananmen Square, but that economic progress is now stalling with Western companies increasingly reluctant to engage.

War – What is it good for?

Veteran American journalist Bob Woodward’s latest book “War” examines the current spate of conflicts around the world and highlights the worrying implications of Donald Trump’s simple minded narcissism in dealing with them.

The Red Emperor

The Red Emperor offers an eye-opening portrait of Xi Jinping, the man who rules as an absolute dictator over the lives of 1.4 billion people and the second largest economy on earth.

NATO at 75

NATO’s visibility has waxed and waned, but Russia’s war of aggression on Ukraine has put the alliance firmly in the spotlight and may be its greatest challenge to date.

Party of one

China faces myriad challenges, from a sluggish economy, a huge property bubble and a demographic time bomb to deeply indebted local governments. But the fact that it is run by one man who is unwilling either to share power or to designate a successor may yet prove to be its biggest problem.

Overreach

In her new book, Susan Shirk sets out to explain how relations between China and the West have deteriorated, noting that China went into imperial overdrive well before Xi came to wield sole power.

Putin’s wars

Vladimir Putin expected Ukraine to surrender without a fight, NATO to hesitate and Europe splinter. A new book traces the roots of his epic miscalculation and how his attempt to destroy the international rules based order has failed.

The sorry story of Russia

A new book places Putin is his historical context, noting that Russia has always been an imperialist, expansionist power, determined to conquer as much territory as its brutal, backward, authoritarian culture will allow.

Chip wars

A new book, “Chip War” is essential reading for anyone who would like to understand the importance of semi-conductor supplies in modern geopolitics.

Welcome to the danger zone

China appears to be on collision course with the West, given its aggressive rhetoric and actions, but conflict is not inevitable.

Dr. Evil

Russia had a chance to embrace freedom and peace after the collapse of communism, but KGB operative Vladimir Putin – now the longest serving Russian dictator since Stalin – has dedicated his life to restoring the iron fist of tyranny.