{"product_id":"rumbles-of-thunder-by-steve-chan-9780231208451","title":"Rumbles of Thunder","description":"\u003cdiv class=\"book-description\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIt is widely believed that shifts in the balance of power between an established hegemon and a rising upstart can lead to war. To what extent does this proposition hold true for Sino-American relations today?\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eSteve Chan examines a range of international relations theories and popular narratives that suggest an elevated risk of confrontation between the two powers. Probing the recent deterioration in Sino-American relations, he considers whether several factors that can raise or lower international tension apply to the current situation. Chan demonstrates that power shifts do not preordain violent outcomes—nor does their absence ensure peace. Criticising overly mechanistic frameworks, he emphasises that domestic politics, international political economy, and the choices of individual leaders are all crucial to understanding why wars happen.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eChan demonstrates that claims of a \u003cem\u003erising China\u003c\/em\u003e catching up to and even poised to overtake the United States are alarmist: American structural advantages will endure for some time to come. Contrary to prevailing narratives, China does not act like a revisionist power seeking to overturn the system, while the United States, far from defending the international order, has frequently undermined it. However, Chan cautions, Taiwan remains a flashpoint for a possible Sino-American conflict.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eBringing together expertise in IR theory and keen political acumen, \u003cem\u003eRumbles of Thunder\u003c\/em\u003e challenges conventional wisdom on the likelihood of war between the United States and China.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"Unknown","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":47362976547052,"sku":"9780231208451","price":60.99,"currency_code":"NZD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0705\/7784\/8556\/files\/8141213482270.jpg?v=1772908514","url":"https:\/\/bookhero.co.nz\/products\/rumbles-of-thunder-by-steve-chan-9780231208451","provider":"Book Hero","version":"1.0","type":"link"}