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The Silk Road Trap

How China's Trade Ambitions Challenge Europe
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( 163 ratings, 11 reviews)
Book Hero Magic crafted this summary to help describe this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! Summary
The Silk Road Trap unveils the economic and political complexities of Europe’s relationship with China, focusing on the consequences of unbalanced trade that has cost Europe over €1.4 trillion in the past decade. Jonathan Holslag explores the implications of China’s Belt and Road Initiative, highlighting risks to European industries and political influence. Rather than advocating confrontational protectionism, Holslag urges Europe to reduce its dependence on China and develop a robust, sustainable economic model centred on European innovation and production.
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Format: Paperback / softback
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Book Hero Magic created this recommendation. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! IS THIS YOUR NEXT READ?

Ideal for policymakers, economists, academics, and readers interested in international trade, European politics, and China’s global ambitions. Those seeking nuanced insight into Europe's economic future and the geopolitical effects of the Belt and Road Initiative will find this a compelling and informative read.

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Book Hero Magic formatted this description to make it easier to read. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! Description

For almost two decades, China has claimed that its expanding economy benefits Europe, stimulating European growth, exports, and employment. But the reality is not so clear-cut. Whilst individual companies may have profited from China’s economic rise, unbalanced trade with China has actually cost Europe over 1.4 trillion euros in the last ten years as well as undermining its political influence. China’s monumental infrastructural project, the Belt And Road Initiative or New Silk Road as it has come to be known, is set to make this situation even worse.

The Silk Road Trap is the first book to expose just how risky this uneven partnership is for Europe. In it, leading expert on Asian affairs Jonathan Holslag argues that Europe must reduce its reliance on China and work on building a stronger and more sustainable European economic model. By revealing the political aspirations and economic strategy behind the new Silk Road, he lays out its implications for specific European industries, from steel over aircraft to robots.

Holslag, though critical of China, does not, however, make the case for confrontational, Trumpian protectionism. Instead, he posits that the new Silk Road need not ensnare Europe; it offers the continent a unique opportunity to transition from a future "made in China" to one that is "made in Europe".

Book Hero Magic summarised reviews for this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! HOW HAS THIS BEEN REVIEWED?

Praised as “a smart and provocative analysis” by François Godement of the European Council on Foreign Relations, and described as a necessary wake-up call by Karel de Gucht, former EU trade commissioner, this book challenges prevailing European complacency. Financial Times calls it “a strong and thought-provoking argument,” while MoneyWeek hails it as a powerful counterpoint to current policy attitudes. The book is also lauded as “enlightening” by FT Adviser and recognised by Europe-Asia Studies as a well-argued strategic study.

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Book Details

INFORMATION

ISBN: 9781509534692

Publisher: John Wiley and Sons Ltd

Format: Paperback / softback

Date Published: 04 January 2019

Country: United Kingdom

Imprint: Polity Press

Audience: Professional and scholarly

DIMENSIONS

Spine width: 18.0mm

Width: 137.0mm

Height: 211.0mm

Weight: 272g

Pages: 232

About the Author

JONATHAN HOLSLAG teaches international politics at the Free University Brussels. He has published extensively on China's foreign policy strategy in Asia.

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