This book is a welcome addition to the literature concerning China's role in the new global order. It serves as a good counterpoint to literature such as Bernstein and Munroe's the Coming Conflict with China, in that it takes a much more rational, historically grounded analysis of China's impact on global politics.

The early chapters survey modern Chinese history, and later chapters detail Chinese relationships with various key states. The final chapters discuss emerging global regimes and explore some of the reasons that China has been unable to clarify its own role in international relations.

The strength of the book lies in its integrated, broad-based approach. It should provide a realistic, even-handed introduction to the issues involved with China's role in the future.