Chinas Western Horizon: Beijing and the New Geopolitics of Eurasia

ISBN: 019758201X

Author: Markey, Daniel

Condition: New

A crucial assessment of how global and regional politics converge in the swath of Eurasia that includes South Asia, Central Asia, and the Middle East.Under the ambitious leadership of President Xi Jinping, China is transforming its wealth and economic power into tools of global political influence. But Chinas foreign policy initiatives, even "Belt and Road," will be shaped and redefined as they confront the ground realities of local and regional politics outside China. In Chinas Western Horizon, Daniel S. Markey previews how Chinas efforts are likely to play out along its "western horizon:" across the swath of Eurasia that includes South Asia, Central Asia, and the Middle East. Drawing from extensive interviews, travels, and historical research, Markey describes how perceptions of China vary widely within states such as Pakistan, Kazakhstan, and Iran. On balance, Markey anticipates that Chinas deepening involvement will play to the advantage of regional strongmen and exacerbate the political tensions within and among Eurasian states. To make the most of Americas limited influence along Chinas western horizon (and elsewhere), he argues that US policymakers should pursue a selective and localized strategy to serve Americas specific aims in Eurasia and to better compete with China over the long run.