This book is considered an introductory overview to China. Well, I have a master's degree in East Asian studies and I still found this book enlightening. The book does an excellent job at explaining China's societal and political structures and how those structures effect the state's decisions and policies. In doing so, the author does not get much into the culture and history of the nation. In this way the book is unusual and, dare I say, unique. To some, the book may seem rather mechanical, but its structural approach serves to reduce bias and prejudice. Too many books purport to explain the entire Chinese nation culturally, but the country is simply too heterogeneous for that approach to be very effective. Other books define China as a slave to its history, but history is just one of many variables. That is why I appreciate the rather mechanical approach this book takes to explaining China's politics and society. That said, however, it might serve the newcomer to Sinology well to read other texts on Chinese culture and history as a primer to this book.

Mr. Starr does a good job of covering the economics, politics, and geography of China. It is a great introduction to this developing country. Having recently spent a year in China as a teacher, I agree with most of Starr's findings. Starr demonstrates how China's economy is rapidly growing, but perhaps not fast enough to head off future problems such as food production.

Tht book examins all levels of China's society. From problems in the economy to how problems are dealt with by the government. The author also summarizes the basic structure of the Chinese government. The range of issues dealt with in this book are an excellent beginning to further investigate China's situation.

Mr. Starr seems know a lot about China, but I don't think he understand China based on what he wrote in his book. His conclusion that "an abrupt collapse of the Party-state" is unlikely to happen. Just like those who predict Hong Kong will be a chaos after return to China's rule, Mr Starr failed to realize the fundermental change in China these days which will lead to a more stable China.

The book tried to cover a lot of areas, which I think, has done quite superficially. And it seems to me that the author wrote the book to prove his points, and not exactly as the title suggested, to help understand China.

He gave a comparison of data between China and USA (which is good for american readers), however, as soon as the comparison does not support his point anymore, he would happily omit the data on the US and jump to his "conclusion" on China. As an example, to show his point that China's "huge" defense budget might be a concern for the stability of the region, he omitted the US defense budget to prove his point, as opposed to explain why/why not China needs such as budget. One has to look at the geographical size, and complexities of borders of China to see why China's defense budget is not that huge after all, as compared to the US's.

And there are a lot of areas like this in the book, or presented in a way that made Chinese people look like aliens, or made the country looks like it's FUBAR.

It is true that China has its fair share of problems. However, objective presentation is still in rigueur, especially for academic research.

It is disappointing, as you consider Starr's background, and the institution he is associated with. I'm not saying that he does not understand China, but he does not portray China in a way that help readers to understand China. Instead, it will just perpertuate the stereotyping.

This is a typical book, written by a "westerner", to prove a point. Readers who have very little knowledge of China should take it with a big grain of salt.

For those intrigued by or concerned with the roles China will play in the geopolitical, economic, and cultural arenas in the near future, it is imperative to learn more about this huge nation characterized as a "Sleeping Dragon." Understanding China: A Guide to China's Economy, History and Political Culture provides a thankfully succinct "backgrounder" for beginners as well as a thoughtful, provocative review for armchair "China Hands."

Written by John Bryan Starr, the text is based on a seminar he taught at Yale for 17 years. As well as basic textbook data such as climate, topography, population figures, and gross national product, Starr traces the historical impetus that has led to this country's current condition. He talks about feudal systems and their inherent rule by dynastic clout and fiat, yet he points out that unlike European feudalism, "status was ultimately based on achievement." This tradition of mobile, fluid leadership eventually set the bloody stage for Mao to wrestle control of the country from Chiang Kai-shek during and following World War II.

Now, after over half a decade in power, the Communist Party is in deep trouble. It no longer attracts a youthful, zealous cadre eager to take its turn at the helm. Instead, a savvy, new generation of entrepreneurs are poised to re-invent China as a high roller in world trade as well as a vast, prosperous land of consumers rather than a bastion of socialistic ideals.

Starr concludes that due to the emergence of these entrepreneurs, and the weakening of the Communist Party, "Intellectuals have not recaptured the preeminent position their forbears enjoyed in traditional society." So who will lead China if the CP implodes as it did in the Soviet Union? The author reports that "Many Chinese people see the economic chaos and near anarchy of Russian society today as resulting from the collapse of the Communist Party in the Soviet Union." Apparently, they are willing to put up with a tattered, dysfunctional government to avoid that fate.

There is also evidence to suggest that the formidable People's Liberation Army is waiting in the wings of history. Currently dependent on the PLA to crush internal protest and orchestrate foreign policy, the CP may eventually be forced to step aside allowing China to return to rule by military elite.

Another of Starr's concerns is the degradation of China's ecosystem. He laments, "In the trenches where the war between economic development and environmental protection is being fought, economic development is winning most of the battles." For example, he points to the massive Three Gorges Dam project on the Yangtze River. Estimated to take 16 years to complete at a cost of over $10 billion, this hydroelectric monster will destroy a scenic area as well as potentially wipe out agricultural valleys and river ports. In spite of looming eco-disasters, current unrest, virulent corruption, and significant changes in leadership, the venerable dragon lumbers along. Yet Starr gloomily predicts that China will suffer even more dramatic turmoil, whoever or whatever is in charge.