Great Decoupling: China, America and the Struggle for Technological Supremacy

China was once a leading science and technology power, but missed the Industrial Revolution and suffered the 'Hundred Years of Humiliation'. Since the 1980s, reforms have transformed China into the world's second-largest economy and a major global power. Cyber space and other advanced technologies have become a battleground for international dominance, but global supply chains and interstate collaboration are still essential. The growing tension between the USA and China could lead to the two superpowers decoupling their technology, with significant consequences for humanity's future. The Great Decoupling will shape the geopolitics of the twenty-first century.

Format: Hardback
Length: 248 pages
Publication date: 17 December 2020
Publisher: C Hurst & Co Publishers Ltd

For centuries, China has been a dominant force in science and technology, rivaling even the mighty West. However, as the West began its ascent, China chose to retreat inward, missing out on the transformative Industrial Revolution. This period of self-imposed isolation resulted in a century of humiliation and a relentless quest for a modern, yet distinctly Chinese, civilizational identity.

Yet, the tides have turned. Today, technological innovation once again holds the center stage of national pride and ambition. Since the 1980s, China has undergone a remarkable transformation, becoming the world's second-largest economy and a formidable global power. The country has embraced cutting-edge technologies, including cyber space, and has become a fierce competitor in the global arena.

However, the rise of China has also sparked a fierce rivalry with the United States, the world's dominant superpower. Tensions between the two countries have been escalating, with concerns over trade, technology, and national security driving a wedge between them. The potential for a full-fledged technology decoupling between the USA and China is becoming a real possibility, with far-reaching consequences for humanity's future.

The Great Decoupling, a term coined by author Jeff Kingston, captures the essence of this technological contest and its potential impact on geopolitics. The book explores how the rivalry between the USA and China is shaping the global landscape, from trade policies to military alliances. It raises important questions about the future of international relations, the role of technology in shaping world events, and the potential for conflict between superpowers.

As the world continues to evolve, the competition between China and the USA will undoubtedly intensify. The stakes are high, and the consequences for humanity's future are uncertain. The Great Decoupling serves as a timely reminder that the decisions made today in the realm of technology will have far-reaching consequences for generations to come. It is a call to action for policymakers, business leaders, and individuals to navigate this complex and rapidly changing landscape with wisdom, empathy, and a commitment to the greater good.

Weight: 530g
Dimension: 149 x 222 x 36 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781787383838