The Emperor's New Road: China and the Project of the Century

The Emperor's New Road examines China's Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), a massive infrastructure development program spanning multiple continents. Through firsthand reporting across twelve countries, Jonathan E. Hillman investigates the realities and implications of what may be the largest global infrastructure project in history. The book combines on-the-ground research with policy analysis to evaluate BRI's implementation, challenges, and impact on participating nations. Hillman travels to key sites along the modern Silk Road, conducting interviews with local officials, workers, and citizens while documenting the physical and economic transformation of regions touched by Chinese investment. Through detailed case studies of ports, railways, and power plants, the narrative reveals the complex dynamics between China and recipient countries. The research covers both successful projects and troubled ventures, examining how deals are negotiated and implemented. The work provides insight into how infrastructure shapes geopolitical power and explores fundamental questions about development, sovereignty, and international cooperation in the twenty-first century. This analysis speaks to broader themes about China's rising global influence and its implications for the international order.

Readers highlight the book's detailed research and case studies examining Belt and Road Initiative projects across multiple countries. Several reviewers note the balanced perspective - acknowledging both successes and failures while avoiding hyperbole about China's influence. Readers appreciated: - Clear explanations of complex financing arrangements - On-the-ground reporting and interviews with local stakeholders - Analysis of ecological and social impacts - Historical context for China's infrastructure ambitions Common criticisms: - Too much focus on failed projects rather than successful ones - Some readers wanted more economic data and financial details - Writing style can be dry in technical sections Ratings: Goodreads: 4.0/5 (127 ratings) Amazon: 4.4/5 (89 ratings) Notable review quotes: "Provides crucial ground-truth beyond the usual propaganda and counter-propaganda" - Amazon reviewer "Needed more coverage of how BRI projects actually operate once completed" - Goodreads reviewer "The case studies make abstract concepts tangible" - Financial Times reader comment

Belt and Road: A Chinese World Order by Bruno Maçães Examines how China's Belt and Road Initiative reshapes international relations and trade networks across Asia, Europe, and Africa.

China's Asian Dream by Tom Miller Maps China's economic and political expansion throughout Asia through infrastructure projects and diplomatic relationships.

The New Silk Roads: The Present and Future of the World by Peter Frankopan Traces the modern resurrection of ancient trade routes and their impact on global power dynamics.

China's Great Wall of Debt by Dinny McMahon Investigates the financial mechanisms and risks behind China's overseas infrastructure investments and domestic economic policies.

On China by Henry Kissinger Chronicles China's diplomatic strategy and international relations from historical times through modern global expansion.

🌏 The book's title plays on Hans Christian Andersen's "The Emperor's New Clothes," drawing a parallel between the fairy tale's illusory garments and potential misconceptions about China's Belt and Road Initiative. 🏗️ Jonathan E. Hillman traveled to eight countries across three continents and covered over 20,000 miles to research the book, visiting Belt and Road projects firsthand. 💰 The Belt and Road Initiative, launched in 2013, represents the largest international investment effort by a single country since the Marshall Plan, with projects spanning over 130 countries. 🔍 Hillman serves as a senior fellow at the Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS) and director of the Reconnecting Asia Project, which maps infrastructure projects across the Asian continent. 🚂 The modern Belt and Road Initiative follows some of the same routes as the ancient Silk Road, but approximately 80% of China's modern trade with Europe travels by sea rather than overland.