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The Avoidable War

The Dangers of a Catastrophic Conflict Between the US and Xi Jinping's China

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The Avoidable War

By: Kevin Rudd
Narrated by: Kevin Rudd, Rafe Beckley
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About this listen

 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 forty 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.

"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 Politics & Government War China Thought-Provoking Military Socialism
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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

War, what is it good for, absolutely nothing.

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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.

Thoroughly convincing

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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.

Fantastic primer on US-china relations

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Kevin Rudd's talents were wasted as prime minister. He clearly articulates the situation from his wealth of knowledge.

finally some clarity

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Like him or loathe him, Kevin Rudd is the last Australian PM who actually had vision and intellect.

An interesting and well balanced perspective of the current Superpowers.

A great read.

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