MSR Book Club
Welcome to the Mediterranean Silk Roads Book Club, where I share reviews of diverse books I have read on China. From historical narratives to contemporary insights, these books have provided me with a deeper understanding of China’s culture, politics, and global influence. Whether you're seeking to expand your knowledge or simply discover new perspectives, this space highlights the stories and ideas that have shaped my own journey in studying China.
China's World: The Foreign Policy of the World's Newest Superpower by Kerry Brown
This was the first book I read on China. It is written by Dr Kerry Brown. It lays down a comprehensive exploration of China's foreign policy and its evolving role on the global stage. It considers China's role as a global super power and navigates its relationship with the rest of the world through a historical and contemporary lens. It delves into China's strategic ambitions, its approach to diplomatic relations. I especially enjoyed the structure of the book, which examines each region of the world in turn, providing a detailed look at China's foreign policy approach in different contexts.
Overall, this is a great book for those looking for an introduction to the dynamics of Chinese international relations. I also found that it provided me with a robust foundation into Chinese foreign policy. As the book was written in 2017, it offers valuable insights into China’s foreign policy up until that point, although some developments in recent years may have shifted certain dynamics. Nevertheless, it remains an excellent resource for understanding the broader trends and motivations shaping China’s global interactions.
Chip War: The Fight for the World's Most Critical Technology by Chris Miller
Chip War is a must-read for those interested in semiconductors and the high tech industry. I originally read this book when writing a paper on TSMC, which I posted here. It provides readers with a detailed breakdown of the global chip manufacturing industry, exploring its origins, development, and the critical role it plays in today’s global economy. It was also the Financial Times' Business Book of 2022, highlighting its relevance and importance in understanding the current landscape of global business and technology.
The chapters are short, digestible, and flow well, almost like a story. It is also an excellent book for those who do not know much about semiconductors, as it does a great job of breaking down the basics.
The Digital Silk Road: China's Quest to Wire the World and Win the Future by Jonathan E. Hillman
I bought this book after reading an article on high-speed data transmission cables, also known as fibre-optic undersea cables. Chinese companies, such as Huawei Marine Networks, have been heavily involved in the development, construction, and operation of multiple projects in the sector. This prompted me to research more about Chinese investments in the digital realm. This book is a comprehensive resource that covers just that. It is a little less detailed than books like Chip War and doesn’t explain some of the concepts as thoroughly. However, with a bit of
extra research, the book is both insightful and easy to follow. It considers a range of sectors including 5G networks and telecommunications, data centres and cloud computing, as well as cybersecurity and data governance.
