📖 Overview
Kai Strittmatter is a German author and journalist who has worked extensively as a foreign correspondent in China, serving as Beijing correspondent for Süddeutsche Zeitung, one of Germany's largest daily newspapers. He spent over a decade living in China across multiple periods, developing deep expertise in Chinese politics, society and culture.
Strittmatter gained international recognition for his 2019 book "We Have Been Harmonized: Life in China's Surveillance State," which examines the Chinese Communist Party's use of digital technology and artificial intelligence to control its population. The book has been translated into multiple languages and received attention for its detailed analysis of China's social credit system and surveillance capabilities.
Beyond his work on contemporary China, Strittmatter has reported from Turkey and other parts of Asia. He studied sinology and journalism in Munich, Xi'an and Taipei, and holds a master's degree in Chinese studies.
His writing focuses on the intersection of technology, authoritarianism and society, with particular emphasis on how digital tools are reshaping power structures in the modern world. Strittmatter regularly contributes analysis and commentary on China-related topics to major news outlets and academic institutions.
👀 Reviews
Readers value Strittmatter's firsthand experience in China and his detailed research on surveillance technology. Many note his ability to explain complex political systems in clear terms.
What readers liked:
- Clear explanation of China's social credit system and tech surveillance
- Balance of personal anecdotes with factual reporting
- Up-to-date information on digital control methods
- Accessible writing style for complex topics
What readers disliked:
- Some find the tone alarmist
- Repetitive points in later chapters
- Limited coverage of ordinary Chinese citizens' perspectives
- Focus mainly on negative aspects of Chinese society
Ratings across platforms:
Goodreads: 4.2/5 (2,000+ ratings)
Amazon: 4.5/5 (1,000+ ratings)
Sample reader comment: "Strittmatter presents a sobering look at how technology enables authoritarian control, backed by solid evidence rather than speculation." - Amazon reviewer
Notable criticism: "The book would benefit from more voices of everyday Chinese people adapting to these systems." - Goodreads reviewer
📚 Books by Kai Strittmatter
We Have Been Harmonized: Life in China's Surveillance State (2019)
An examination of China's digital surveillance systems and social control mechanisms under Xi Jinping's leadership.
China A to Z (2006) A reference guide covering various aspects of Chinese society, culture, and daily life arranged alphabetically.
China Modern (2004) A documentation of social and economic changes in contemporary China through interviews and observations from different regions.
Gebrauchsanweisung für China (2008) [German language] A cultural guidebook exploring modern Chinese society, traditions, and everyday life based on the author's experiences living in China.
Die Neuerfindung der Diktatur (2018) [German language] An analysis of China's political transformation and technological control systems in the digital age.
China A to Z (2006) A reference guide covering various aspects of Chinese society, culture, and daily life arranged alphabetically.
China Modern (2004) A documentation of social and economic changes in contemporary China through interviews and observations from different regions.
Gebrauchsanweisung für China (2008) [German language] A cultural guidebook exploring modern Chinese society, traditions, and everyday life based on the author's experiences living in China.
Die Neuerfindung der Diktatur (2018) [German language] An analysis of China's political transformation and technological control systems in the digital age.
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