Rising Strong: China's Military Strategy at 75

Rising Strong examines China's evolving military strategy and doctrine as the People's Liberation Army marks its 75th anniversary. Professor Fravel draws on extensive research and primary sources to chronicle the PLA's transformation from a revolutionary force to a modern military power. The book analyzes key shifts in Chinese military thinking across multiple domains including naval, air, cyber, and nuclear capabilities. Through case studies and historical analysis, the text tracks how Chinese military leaders have responded to technological change and regional security challenges since the mid-20th century. The work incorporates translated Chinese military documents and interviews with PLA officers to present the strategic logic behind China's force modernization and military reforms. Each chapter focuses on a distinct period or aspect of military development, from Mao's guerrilla warfare concepts to contemporary joint operations doctrine. This study of Chinese military evolution offers crucial context for understanding Beijing's current defense priorities and strategic outlook. The analysis illuminates how historical experiences, domestic politics, and perceived security threats have shaped China's approach to military power.

There are not enough internet reviews to create a summary of this book. Instead, here is a summary of reviews of M. Taylor Fravel's overall work: Readers value Fravel's thorough research and clear presentation of complex topics in Chinese military strategy and territorial disputes. Many academic reviewers note his use of Chinese-language primary sources and archival materials to support arguments. What readers liked: - Detailed historical evidence and documentation - Clear writing style that explains complex concepts - Balanced analysis free from ideological bias - Comprehensive coverage of Chinese military evolution What readers disliked: - Dense academic writing can be challenging for general readers - Some sections are text-heavy with military/technical details - High price point of academic press books Ratings: - "Strong Borders, Secure Nation" - 4.5/5 on Amazon (32 reviews) - "Active Defense" - 4.7/5 on Amazon (28 reviews) - Goodreads average 4.2/5 across both books One reviewer noted: "Fravel presents complex military concepts clearly without oversimplifying." Another wrote: "The level of research and sourcing is impressive but the writing can be dry at times."

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🔹 M. Taylor Fravel is a professor of political science at MIT and speaks both Chinese and Japanese, allowing him to conduct extensive research using primary sources in their original languages. 🔹 China's military strategy has undergone only four major changes since 1949, with each shift corresponding to significant technological or geopolitical developments that transformed warfare. 🔹 The People's Liberation Army (PLA) operates a dedicated "Strategic Support Force" focused entirely on space, cyber, and electronic warfare capabilities - a structure unique among major military powers. 🔹 Under Xi Jinping's leadership, China's defense budget has grown to become the second-largest in the world, though it remains significantly smaller than U.S. military spending. 🔹 The book examines how China's military doctrine evolved from a continental focus to its current "active defense" strategy emphasizing maritime power projection and information warfare.