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The Avoidable War
- The Dangers of a Catastrophic Conflict Between the US and Xi Jinping's China
- Narrated by: Kevin Rudd, Rafe Beckley
- Length: 16 hrs and 8 mins
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The Avoidable War
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Publisher's Summary
A war between China and the US would be catastrophic, deadly and destructive. Unfortunately, it is no longer unthinkable.
The relationship between the US and China, the world's two superpowers, is peculiarly volatile. It rests on a seismic fault of cultural misunderstanding, historical grievance and ideological incompatibility. No other nations are so quick to offend and be offended. Their militaries play a dangerous game of chicken, corporations steal intellectual property, intelligence satellites peer and AI technicians plot. The capacity for either country to cross a fatal line grows daily.
Former Australian Prime Minister Kevin Rudd, who has studied, lived in and worked with China for more than 40 years, is one of the very few people who can offer real insight into the mindsets of the leadership whose judgement will determine if a war will be fought. The Avoidable War demystifies the actions of both sides, explaining and translating them for the benefit of the other. Geopolitical disaster is still avoidable, but only if these two giants can find a way to coexist without betraying their core interests through what Rudd calls 'managed strategic competition'. Should they fail, down that path lies the possibility of a war that could rewrite the future of both countries and the world.
Critic Reviews
"A lifelong student of China, Kevin Rudd has become one of today's most thoughtful analysts of China's development. The Avoidable War focuses on the signal challenge posed by China's evolution to America and to world order. Can the US and China avoid sleepwalking into a conflict? Rudd offers constructive steps for the two powers to stabilize their relations." (Henry A. Kissinger)
What listeners say about The Avoidable War
Average Customer RatingsReviews - Please select the tabs below to change the source of reviews.
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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Performance5 out of 5 stars
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Story5 out of 5 stars
- BSG_Fan
- 21-06-2022
War, what is it good for, absolutely nothing.
An intriguing, thought provoking and at times disturbing story. Kevin 07 has a fantastically detailed and intimate understanding of China, the CCP, its hopes and dreams, and it’s very dark push for global domination and control. The level of detail and knowledge of the history of the forces that have influenced and shaped this situation are fascinating. We can only hope that major conflicts can be avoided; although with the level and magnitude of CCP and Chinese influence, financial coercion and non accountability, that seems improbable. A very enjoyable read which I shall enjoy again at some point to see how the forecasts turn out ;-D
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3 people found this helpful
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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Performance5 out of 5 stars
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Story5 out of 5 stars
- Johnv
- 14-04-2022
Thoroughly convincing
I was not a fan of Rudd the Australian politician and PM. But this analysis of Xi's China is thoroughly researched, well balanced, and convincing. A must read.
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2 people found this helpful
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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Performance5 out of 5 stars
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Story5 out of 5 stars
- Anonymous User
- 05-08-2022
Fantastic primer on US-china relations
Kevin Rudd has done an amazing job putting this book together. The breadth and depth of the topics is impressive. I highly recommend this title, even if you do not align politically with Kevin Rudd. Even though he has good relationships with political elites in both US and China, he does not pull any punches in his critique. His pragmatic approach to this vital topic is a refreshing change from the usual rhetoric.
The narrator is slightly monotonous, but seems to have good command of Mandarin based on the pronunciation throughout this audiobook.
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1 person found this helpful
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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Performance5 out of 5 stars
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Story5 out of 5 stars
- Luke Hicks
- 14-06-2022
finally some clarity
Kevin Rudd's talents were wasted as prime minister. He clearly articulates the situation from his wealth of knowledge.
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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- Maris
- 25-12-2022
Very informative
I learned so much from this audio book. It was a fascinating insight into China - much deeper than surface level summaries but it didn’t require a great deal of prerequisite knowledge.
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1 person found this helpful
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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Performance5 out of 5 stars
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- Dan
- 04-07-2022
The most important book you will read this decade!
Comprehensive examination of the factors that have lead us to the unfortunate circumstances we find ourselves in today....the possibility of WWIII between the East & the West. Beyond despair, this book offers the hope of a realist
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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Performance5 out of 5 stars
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Story4 out of 5 stars
- Anonymous User
- 17-09-2023
Great breadth and depth of strategic thinking
Kevin does a great job drawing on experiences and knowledge to build a case for tools that may avoid war. Critical piece of thinking. Glad I listened to it.
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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Performance5 out of 5 stars
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- Ben Orson
- 07-05-2024
I was hoping for something a little more optimistic
Listened on bated breath for a happy conclusion. Beautifully written by a complete professional who understands the situation better than anyone I was secretly hoping for a simple or obvious conclusion. I however leave, although more informed, more concerned. I feel this is necessary reading for every human on the planet as this conflict affects everyone if not solved.
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Overall4 out of 5 stars
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Performance3 out of 5 stars
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Story4 out of 5 stars
- Mel Robinson
- 04-08-2022
Kevin 07 predictively concise
Our former PM is one of Australia's best orators, it would have been a more engaging listening experience had Kevin narrated his own work .
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2 people found this helpful
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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Performance4 out of 5 stars
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- mjswan2
- 29-11-2022
Agree with previous comment 👆🏼
Whether or not you like Rudd The Politician, Rudd The Author presents the most insightful and comprehensive book on the rise of China and their ongoing ‘stealth war’ with the US. Excellent.
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