Xi Jinping: The Backlash

Xi Jinping: The Backlash examines China's leader and his impact on global geopolitics during his time in power. McGregor analyzes Xi's consolidation of authority within China and his aggressive foreign policy approach. The book tracks specific diplomatic conflicts between China and other nations, particularly focusing on relations with Australia, Japan, and the United States. It documents policy shifts, trade disputes, and military tensions that have emerged under Xi's leadership. McGregor draws on his decades of experience as a foreign correspondent in East Asia to provide context for Xi's actions and their consequences. He incorporates interviews with diplomats, intelligence officials, and policy experts to construct a detailed picture of international responses to China's expanding influence. The work serves as both a study of power in modern China and an examination of how democratic nations adapt to an increasingly assertive authoritarian state. Through this lens, it raises questions about the future of global political systems and international cooperation.

Readers describe this as a brief but informative analysis of Xi Jinping's consolidation of power and the resulting international tensions. At 114 pages, many note it works well as a primer on recent Chinese politics. Liked: - Clear explanations of complex topics - Sharp focus on key policy shifts under Xi - Detailed sourcing and research - Accessible writing style for non-experts Disliked: - Some found it too short to fully explore topics - Several readers wanted more detail on domestic policies - A few noted it feels dated given rapid developments - Limited coverage of Xi's early life and rise Ratings: Goodreads: 3.9/5 (219 ratings) Amazon: 4.3/5 (127 ratings) Notable reader comments: "Concise overview that connects important dots" - Goodreads reviewer "Good introduction but lacks depth on economic reforms" - Amazon reviewer "Feels more like a long article than a book" - Goodreads reviewer

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🔷 Author Richard McGregor spent over two decades reporting from East Asia, serving as Financial Times bureau chief in Beijing and Washington DC. 🔷 The book was published as part of the "Penguin Specials" series in 2019, designed to provide timely, concise analysis of contemporary issues. 🔷 The title references the growing international pushback against China's assertive foreign policy under Xi Jinping, particularly from countries that previously sought closer ties with Beijing. 🔷 Despite Xi Jinping's father being a revolutionary hero and senior Communist Party official, Xi was sent to work in the countryside during the Cultural Revolution at age 15, living in a cave dwelling for seven years. 🔷 During Xi Jinping's first five years in power, he purged more than 1.5 million officials in his anti-corruption campaign, including many high-ranking "tigers" alongside lower-level "flies."