Red Flags

Why Xi's China Is in Jeopardy

De: George Magnus

Narrado por: Derek Perkins

Will China rule the world, or will its dream turn into a nightmare? George Magnus, the trusted economic commentator on China, provides a penetrating account of the threats to China's continued rise.

Over the past four decades, China's remarkable transformation has garnered admiration but also sparked concern. Magnus draws on his intimate knowledge of this dynamic nation to uncover the origins of its ascent and show why the economic traps it faces at home and the political challenges it faces abroad pose a serious threat to its continued rise.

President Xi, possibly now leader for life, is determined to realize the Chinese dream of rejuvenating the nation and consigning to history the "century of humiliation". But Magnus warns that the Middle Kingdom's future rests on the willingness of its leader to embrace reform and open up, a philosophy that is at odds with his actions to date.

Engagingly weaving together economics, politics, and history, Red Flags is an authoritative and lucid account of the troubled times that lie ahead for a nation whose economic fortunes are closely intertwined with our own.

©2018 George Magnus (P)2018 Blackstone Audio, Inc.

Magisterial and objective assessment

Magisterial and objective assessment. I enjoyed the sober analysis without hype or doom. It’s a very realistic and insightful book.

Strong on Current State of but Weaker on the History of China

My title says it all. I thought it did a good job of describing what is currently happening in China. Though the authors guess on the future of China is the west can never be more than just a guess. I hoped for a book that delved deeper into the recent history of China since Deng.

An excellent overview of the state of China

This is well worth a listen for anyone interested in understanding China’s current political and economic policies. It includes a concise overview of China’s history.

A sober and thorough evaluation of China's economic challenges

Although maybe not the “peek behind the curtain of China's dystopian Shadowland” that I might have hoped for when I read the title, I did find this book enlightening (maybe more than exiting, as it was a little dry at times).

If you want a sober and thorough evaluation of China's economic challenges by someone who knows what he’s talking about, I do think this is it. George Magnus is a renowned economist and he doesn't come off as biased when writing about China and Xi Jinping. Sometimes I did feel he maybe went a bit easy on Xi and the CCP, but this could be out of the wish to be as neutral as possible.

Fantastic analysis

The author gives 4 reasons why China is likely to experience slower growth in the next decades. Very well reasoned and supported with facts. Entertaining as well.

Eyes on XI's China!

Something the world needs to listen to in light of the current Covid-19 Pandemic. XI's China is out to displace the United States of America as Premier World Power.

A good summary of the situation now

Comprehensive, accurate, and conform to the things I see in China now. Recommend to readers unfamiliar but interested in China to read this book.

Sure it is in jeopardy. But who isn't?

Based on the author's career background, long-time living experience in China, data and facts cited in the book, it is very tempting to give credit to the conclusions he drew. Maybe it's a little too much to be needed to get quick understanding for people who are not so familiar with China's political and economic structures during the listening, it's worth one's time and efforts.
Some time it's just difficult not to be cynical. Good deeds do not entail good ends, and vicious cycles never end. Thinking and reading more objectively may help.

Spot On Review of Xi’s China

Objective, insightful and comprehensive overview of China and especially from 2010 onward. The Red Flags are presented with extensive detail. A Must Read that is always enjoyable.

AMERICA AND CHINA

George Magnus develops a cogent argument that illustrates differences between American and Chinese economic strengths and weaknesses.

Magnus develops his analysis by recalling the history of China. He recounts a country ruled by authoritarian Emperors, a nationalist dictator (Chiang Kai-shek) and communist revolutionaries (Mao and Deng Xiaoping). He then offers an analysis of the revisionist leader, President Xi Jinping.

One may conclude from Magnus’s book, there will always remain the potential for economic calamity with top down management. Magnus reflects on the history of China and infers it is unlikely to change. China’s growth and prosperity depends on a continuation of philosopher kings which have not sustained any country in the modern age. The next king may not be as far sighted or wise as the current king.

Top down management may have worked in ancient times, but world interconnectedness and interdependence require cooperation and competition for independent countries to grow and prosper.