History: Fiction or Science? (Chronology, No. 1)

Book Description

Recorded history is a finely-woven magic fabric of intricate lies about events predating the sixteenth century. There is not a single piece of evidence that can be reliably and independently traced back earlier than the eleventh century. This book details events that are substantiated by hard facts and logic, and validated by new astronomical research and statistical analysis of ancient sources.

Customer Reviews:

Calculations are only as good as your numbers.......2007-08-03

Yes, we can all agree that mainstream history is nearly 100% BS due to politics, economics, ego, problems with dating techniques, and various conspiracies. Agreed. But, I've been researching the distinct possibility that human history (in terms of civilizations) are much more ancient than we've been told, so coming across this book was very interesting to me. I wondered how Fomenko could be wrong (if at all) because he is very persuasive in his presentations. Then it dawned on me. If at previous times in prehistory, due to the various catastrophies that are well documented (comets, asteroids, planetary disruptions, plasma discharge, pole reversals, etc) the Earth was in a different position in relation to the sun, different tilt on its axis, different orbit, different rotation (in terms of velocity and DIRECTION), and the continents were in different positions, then would this not cause the ancients to see the sky (constellations) differently? In other words, is Fomenko making erronious assumptions about the physics of the Earth in pre-history, which then corrupt his data with regards to dating the relevant astrology? The last event to seriously disrupt our planet occured roughly 3500 years ago, according to other good researchers, so is it possible Fomenko has been confused by this? The vastly different physics of our planet in the not so distant past may explain this confusion, which is not to say the "mainstream" version of history is correct; on the contrary. I am not an expert in these fields, but wanted to see if this idea could spark discussion.

Pants on fire?.......2007-07-19

Will people ever read before spamming? Yes, Jesuits could not rewrite world history alone, they had help. Anyway, Dr Prof Acad A.Fomenko does not point to jesuits as the driving force of world wide history manipulation in published volumes 1,2,3;, actually he barely mentions the poor devils. Check it with 'Search inside' feature, please. China is rarely mentioned either, in fact, Dr Fomenko is completely eurocentric. Right, his theory contradicts all mainstream schools of history, because in their actual state they are all built on blatantly erroneus chronology. You don't need a mysterious cabal (conspiracy) to falsify history, the falsification is its modus operandi. It is inherent to history(ians) to falsify (distort) events, as it is inherent to humans to boast as it is inherent to power (authority) to legimize itself by referrring to glorious past made to its own order. Dr Prof Fomenko and team have identified scores of instances of such manipulation in Russian, European, etc.. history, and delivered valid statistical proof thereof. His own 'reconstruction' is completely another story. Forget c14 as a valid method of dating. W.Libby has initially discovered a brilliant method of INDEPENDENT dating. Too bad, c14 method has become a joke after a forced marrige with dendrochronology with consensual chronological scale inbuilt. Radiocarbon method can't stand blind tests, but is so very productive as a rubberstamp.

Accepted History & Chronology Must Be Changed. .......2007-04-09

There is no doubt that history as most know it is a sham, & institution's version of History both University & Church is fradulent & inaccurate. Everything was established with an agenda, The real "Dark Ages" are now when we have access to incredible amounts of information past authorities & more important 'common folk' didn't have but our institutions & educators are slow to evolve because of what has ignorantly & arrogantly been taught for too long. This is on many subjects not just Chronology.

For anyone to question "Why would a Mathematician have anything credible to say of History?" The answer is from Dr. Fomenko's preface in the book: "It would be worthwhile to remind the reader that in the XVI-XVII century Chronology was considered to be a subdivision of Mathematics." These volumes could possibly be some of the most important works to date & should be read by everyone with an interest in History, especially professors & educators who have a duty to the public. I have read both books & must say that 'Chronology 1' has some very eye opening & revolutionary information. Even if these volumes are part true the implications are profound & opens the doors to further investigations & questions which must be done. I speak several different lanquages & must say the logic Dr. Fomenko uses with "inflection" of words & words being read from left to right in one region & right to left in another then written backwards, the removal of vowels & get down to basics of words, or different cities & locations having the same name etc. is correct. Vowel usage has always been optional & varied, actually complicating linquistics & study. The first thing one has to understand is that words never had a fixed spelling in history like we do now, the spelling of words was mutable & regional, as well as names & titles of people were vast, varied & changed, NOTHING WAS FIXED or understood linear. Matters of Life & Death as well as financial profiteering yesterday & today were & are made with ignorant, illogical & conspiratorial views of history & reality, it's time people get closer to the Truth & society collectively grow up.

Very Interesting.......2007-03-07

It is a good proposal and I believe it will mature into something even better in the future. I think it deserves to be read.

History as Science Fiction.......2007-01-10

Anatoly Fomenko has written a very intriguing book, full of pictures, charts, and computer 'proof' of his thesis: backwards of AD900 we don't really know what happened or when. Between AD900 and AD1600 there is more certainty, but there is still a lot of fuzzy ground, and things don't get reliable until we get past the 1600's where the printing press made it very difficult for the perpetrators of this timeline manipulation to change anything that had been committed to print. The Dark Ages did not happen. Books were burned for a reason. One organization has doubled the actual length of its existence by expanding the real chronology. Read why.

I had always wondered why Christ died about AD33 and yet men waited until the 11th century to form the Knights Templar, the Cathars, etc and go after the Holy Land by force. Why the 1000 year gap? Turns out there wasn't more than a 10-12 year gap and he proves it using astronomy. This also implies that the planet is not as old as we have been told, and current Christian and other creationist scientists are already championing that idea without being aware of Fomenko's book. The two groups, creationist scientists and the Russian mathematical analysts corroborate each other. Fascinating.

Of course, all this flies in the face of what we have been told traditionally is the 'proper' chronology of western civilization, and most readers will experience 'cognitive dissonance' in reading this book. It means that our history going backwards from AD1600 becomes progressively more incorrect and unreliable until it cannot be trusted at all... in the space of 700-800 years.

Naturally, the curious, open-minded reader will want to know WHO did this, WHY, and did any of the events we think of as really ancient ever happen?
Dr. Fomenko is a respected scientist/mathematician at Moscow State University who has already answered these questions to the satisfaction of his initially skeptical colleagues. Most of them are now believers, a few still refuse to believe (the usual diehards), and of course the western press has ignored Fomenko's work -- for obvious reasons when you read the book. The ones who perpetrated this chronology ruse have a lot to answer for. They are still with us. That's why this book is a well-kept secret.

I gave the book a 4-star rating because I was unable to check out some of his claims; those I checked were as he said. But if even 1/3 of his claims are true, this punches a big hole in what we think is our history, the meaning of western civilization, our educational process (for repeating the ruse as gospel), and the trustworthiness of the organization that perpetrated this ruse, well-intentioned or not.

This book relates to current research into a Young Earth paradigm, to John Keel's discoveries about our planet, and Fr Malachi Martin's insights (in his now out-of-print books). We are indeed sheep who are manipulated and kept ignorant -- for a reason. While knowing what these men have to say may be the "booby prize" (as in: 'what can you do with this knowledge?'), it will provide interesting reading. Didn't someone say: "...and the Truth will set you free."?? For you to judge if this book contains the truth.

The Chinese Economy: Transitions and Growth

Average customer rating:

Corner Stone
A masterpiece in the field

The Chinese Economy: Transitions and Growth
Barry Naughton
Manufacturer: The MIT Press
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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ASIN: 0262640643

Book Description

This comprehensive overview of the modern Chinese economy by a noted expert on China's economic development offers a quality and breadth of coverage not found in any other English-language text. In The Chinese Economy, Barry Naughton provides both an engaging, broadly focused introduction to China's economy since 1949 and original insights based on his own extensive research. The book will be an essential resource for students, teachers, scholars, business people, and policymakers. It is suitable for classroom use for undergraduate or graduate courses.

After presenting background material on the pre-1949 economy and the industrialization, reform, and market transition that have taken place since, the book examines different aspects of the modern Chinese economy. It analyzes patterns of growth and development, including population growth and the one-child family policy; the rural economy, including agriculture and rural industrialization; industrial and technological development in urban areas; international trade and foreign investment; macroeconomic trends and cycles and the financial system; and the largely unaddressed problems of environmental quality and the sustainability of growth.

The text is notable also for placing China's economy in interesting comparative contexts, discussing it in relation to other transitional or developing economies and to such advanced industrial countries as the United States and Japan. It provides both a broad historical and macro perspective as well as a focused examination of the actual workings of China's complex and dynamic economic development. Interest in the Chinese economy will only grow as China becomes an increasingly important player on the world's stage. This book will be the standard reference for understanding and teaching about the next economic superpower.

Customer Reviews:

Corner Stone.......2007-05-12

A superb guide to the intricacies of the Chinese economy. I highly recommend it to students, professionals, policy makers, and academics looking to better understand the underlying themes and trends of the world's fastest growing economy.

Erik Lundh,
Washington, DC

A masterpiece in the field.......2007-04-10

Barry Naughton has written a masterful book. It is comprehensive, accessible and rigorous. Researchers, upper-level undergraduate and graduate students, who want to understand the key economic issues faced by China, will all appreciate this volumn. I am using it in my Master courses!

Jiin-ming Fahn, National Sun Yat-sen University, Taiwan

The Chinese Century: The Rising Chinese Economy and Its Impact on the Global Economy, the Balance of Power, and Your Job

Average customer rating:

Disappointing overall
Important Information!
Yes, China is rising, BUT what must we do to survive and prosper in "the Chinese Century"?
Current and Comprehensive
Insightful and well-written

The Chinese Century: The Rising Chinese Economy and Its Impact on the Global Economy, the Balance of Power, and Your Job
Oded Shenkar
Manufacturer: Wharton School Publishing
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

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ASIN: 0131467484

Book Description

Within 20 years -- possibly far sooner -- China will have the world's largest economy. That will powerfully impact you: your job, your company, your economic future, and your country. In The Chinese Century, Oded Shenkar shows how China is restoring its imperial glory by infusing modern technology and market economics into a non-democratic system controlled by the Communist party and bureaucracy.

Shenkar shows why China's accelerating growth differs radically from predecessors such as Japan, India, and Mexico -- and how it will lead to a radical restructuring of the global business system. Discover why the U.S. is most vulnerable to China's ascent... how China's disregard for intellectual property creates sustainable competitive advantage... and how China's growth impacts every global business and consumer.

Above all, Shenkar shows what you must do to survive and prosper in "the Chinese Century."

· Cheap labor + millions of high-skilled professionals

· How China will sustain dominance in low-tech industries as it enters high-tech realms

· Building tomorrow's Toyotas and Sonys... faster and cheaper

· Chinese multinationals: learning from joint ventures, preparing to lead

· Leveraging Hong Kong, Taiwan, Singapore, and the "Chinese diaspora"

· Bringing together the world's most powerful pool of human resources

· $2 Rolexes, and beyond

· Piracy, counterfeiting, bootlegging, and stolen intellectual property

· From economics to geopolitics: counterbalancing America

· Previewing China's increasingly assertive foreign policy

Customer Reviews:

Disappointing overall.......2007-07-05

It is rarely that I have written less than a glowing review of any book dealing with the topics of globalization, outsourcing and the ilk. As someone who is intrigued by these issues, I have found all of my reads thus far to be riveting and educative. I wish I could I say the same about Oded Shenkar's book "The Chinese Century." I am afraid that was not the case.

The book suffers from some clear flaws. First and foremost is the fact that it focuses solely on one facet of the Chinese growth story, viz. exports and imports, and that too from a largely US-centric world view. For someone who is interested in understanding the different facets of the Chinese story and its geopolitical ramifications (as can be seen today in China's relations with Sudan, Iran, and Venezuela among others), this book clearly falls short.

Second, the tone adopted by the author is one of unbridled optimism regarding China's growth prospects. I, for one, do not necessarily share the same world view. No nation has been able to eat its cake and have it too. If you want to be a modern nation enjoying all the economic benefits that come out of a free market system, you also need to be a democracy that is built on the separation of powers between the executive and the judiciary, a free media and a vibrant middle class that is not afraid to speak up its mind. I am not sure China will be able to escape that painful transition at some point of time. The question is not "If", it is a question of "When". I would have therefore liked to see the author explain how China can make the transition from a communist nation ruled by a narrow clique to a modern nation without a democratic change thrown somewhere in between. I am afraid that he did not.

Finally to round off, I would also like to point out that the book suffers from typographical errors that are clearly unacceptable in a book published from Wharton School Publishing. Two examples, both from the same page (pg. 85 of the paper back edition) for the skeptics who need proof. "Finally, there is the potential liability and litigation cost when a safety-related product such as a break pad fails, and the legitimate manufacturer is implicated." Or, "The direct losses of U.S. IPR owners in copyrighted industries (such as movies) alone in China have been estimated at more than $1.8 annually." The proof reader probably needs to be told that it is not "break pads" but "brake pads" and that the losses to IPR owners are closer to $1.8 billion than $1.8!

Overall I am happy that the book finished at 187 pages. It's a disappointment though that not much of substance was said in those 187 pages.

Important Information!.......2006-12-31

"The Chinese Century" reminds us that our trade deficit with China is rapidly growing (up 20%/year from '01-'03), and also tells us that its composition is changing - the four highest categories in '03 were all technologically related (misc. manufactured articles, office machines and ADP equipment, telecommunications and sound-recording equipment, and electrical machinery). (Apparel/clothing and footwear were in 5th and 6th place, down from 2nd and 3rd in '99.)

Shenkar also imforms us that the Chinese are working to continue "moving up the food chain" via increasing the rate that overseas Chinese students return to China, increasing R&D spending within its organizations, and forcing overseas partners to provide valuable trade secrets. The percentage of American white-collar associated jobs lost in manufacturing has gone from 30% ('79-'89) to 35% ('90-'99), and is likely to increase further, shaking belief in the theorized overall benefit of job migration to more complex work, and the belief that education is good insurance against unemployment. (The unemployment rate for electrical engineers now is greater than the unemployment rate in general.)

China is often pilloried for violating intellectual property rights; Americans, however, should remember that the U.S. was also a major violator in the 19th century, and remained so until it emerged as a major producer of copyrighted/patented knowledge. Presumably China will follow a similar path. China is also attacked for not adjusting its exchange rate vs. the dollar - however, since its productivity-adjusted costs are about 12% that in the U.S., currency adjustment would not begin to solve the U.S.-China trade deficit. In addition, Americans need to remember that China needs to create 15 million new jobs/year to handle population growth, plus additional jobs to cover those lost due to closing ineffective government enterprises and rural residents wanting to move to its cities.

The book's avowed purpose is not on how to stop the tide of Chinese imports, but how to remain competitive. Unfortunately, its recommendations (more education) fall far short of what would be required, and are contradicted by its own material.

Yes, China is rising, BUT what must we do to survive and prosper in "the Chinese Century"?.......2006-11-05

It is obvious that China is rising and is impacting the rest of the world in an increasingly big way.

The value of The Chinese Century by Professor Oded Shenkar lies in its concise and vivid summary of China's rise and impact. As such, the author has achieved one of his goals he set out to achieve by writing this book.

However, the author clearly has not delivered what he promises to deliver in the Synopsis: "Above all, Shenkar shows what you must do to survive and prosper in "the Chinese Century"."

Indeed, as a business person, you might get even more dazzled after reading this book simply because this book gives you an academic snapshot of the China business scene (although with some vivid examples) rather than insights into and wisdom about what to do in order to succeed.

To know the latter, you have to read Dr Wei Wang's The China Executive: Marrying Western and Chinese Strengths to Generate Profitability from Your Investment in China.

Highly practical, The China Executive brings to light the highest essence of any business in the age of globalisation. It is also characterised by integration: integration of theory and practice, integration of analysis and intuition - integration, in other words, of all major concepts and ideas related to business. These include history, soceity, politics, economics and culture; management and leadership; operation, personnel, finance and marketing; organisation, market, industry and strategy; and human being, philosophy and humour.

In short, if you, as a business person, want to know what to do (as well as how to think) in "the Chinese Century", buy and read The China Executive.

Current and Comprehensive.......2006-10-15

Author Oded Shenkar provides up-to-date information, specific
details, and perspectives about the current and future ascension of
China. It is and will affect us locally and globally. This book
focuses on generalities and will be helpful to those who plan on
doing business in China or want to learn more about the "macro"
affects of the PRC's growing influence. Perhaps too obvious to state
(again) is China's coming economic, political, and military role in
our world. By now, this concept is cliche. Yet the question is
relevant, and now, moreso than ever before. The "Chinese Century"
largely focuses on the next 100 years. Surpassing the U.S.
economically, is predicted to happen within the next twenty years.

Many American companies have been complacent and industry leaders
were caught of guard by China's massive growth. Lackadaisical?
fixed, mind-sets? Competitors in neighboring countries (e.g. Korea)
started losing out to China in the 1990s.

Some of the common questions and discussions that Shenkar addresses
are: "How will China's economic ascension will affect its region and
the entire world?" "How will it impact and transform the U.S.
economy?" "How will it change you?" The author notes the transition
of the American economy to a service-sector economy.

Domestically, the more challenging aspects for the CPC and Chinese
society are how to lessen and/or resolve the Income Gap between
Eastern cities and rural areas (and within these cities themselves).
Those in the eastern China are living in a radically different world
than those inland. Both of these groups are aware of the differences
between them as status symbols, faster-paced life, and incessant
conspicuous consumption propel attitudes, the economy, and egos.
There is quantifiable alienation between the "have-nots," who
outnumber the "haves" by hundreds of millions. Confrontations over
water and land-use, and eminent domain, are frequently reported.

Stealing Intellectual Property:
The Chinese can produce - but they cannot create. "Creativity" and
"ingenuity" are the new buzzwords of the government. Creativity may
or may not happen. If it is ever achieved to some degree, it will
take time (generations) and will require changes to the cultural
mindset and education system.

Implementing Foreign Policy Interests:
The U.S. acts upon its own self-centered interests like many dominant
nation-states. America's economic might promotes its diplomatic and
trade interests in the international world. Often these strengths
reinforce and complement one another when pressuring countries to "go
along" with the current administration in Washington, regardless of
who is in power.

The Chinese may do this too, if they choose to "go international."
I believe Chinese foreign policy will become more direct and
unilateral.

Economic might brings diplomatic, political, and potential military
might (if China continues its high military spending). Westerners
should realize that there's no motivation nor reason for the Chinese
people to want the values and beliefs of liberal democracies of the
West. To think they would, is culturally-centric arrogance.

Corruption:
Corruption exists in many countries of the world. In China it's an
epidemic from the bottom ranks to the highest levels of society. It
has to be dealt with. Even reducing it may take more than one or two
generations. Morality is also an issue. Hu Jintao recently outlined
the "8 honors and 8 shames" in 2004. Meant for the Chinese people,
but specifically geared towards party members. It's a general and
idealistic message. Will it be followed? This reinforces the fact
that rampant corruption, greed, and selfishness is a primary obstacle
to economic and political stability. Throughout East Asia
competition outweighs cooperation in business and social
interactions.

What will China be like when it has the economic power to promote its
interests?

The Chinese understand and realize they are "producers." They are
not "creators." They're not "individuals." However - if - they ever
become creative, adaptable, and individualistic, beware.

Incidentally, anyone who thinks that a market-based economy promotes
or is conducive to forms of "democratic representation" is completely
misinformed. The pairing of these two is the exception, not the
rule.

The U.S. derides Cuba for it authoritarianism and refuses to do
business with Cuba, while at the same time it's in bed with China,
which is far more brutal, oppressive, and venal.

A good book. Recommended.

Insightful and well-written .......2006-05-31

China is a quickly rising economy on the world stage and many liken it to another Japan on the horizon. However, there are as many differences as there are similarities between the rise of the Chinese economy and the rise of Japan, South Korea, Taiwan, or Hong Kong. These differences are critical if you are going to understand the impact this will have on the American and world economy. What is the legacy of China's history and how is that impacting their current economy? How is China dealing with (or not dealing with) the problem of piracy and bootlegging of legitimate products on the world market and how will that affect their position on the world market stage? The author deftly covers opportunities and challenges in the China market and in United States Chinese market. The Chinese Century is highly recommended for anyone who wishes to understand the Chinese market and the implications of that market for the United States.

State and Peasant in Contemporary China: The Political Economy of Village Government (Center for Chinese Studies, University of Michigan)

Average customer rating:

a fine book, intelligent theory backed by strong research

State and Peasant in Contemporary China: The Political Economy of Village Government (Center for Chinese Studies, University of Michigan)
Jean C. Oi
Manufacturer: University of California Press
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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ASIN: 0520076370

Customer Reviews:

a fine book, intelligent theory backed by strong research.......1999-08-09

Oi's book, which adopts a clientist model of rural Chinese politics is a well supported, and strongly argued analysis backed by extensive interviews with former participants at all levels of Chinese rural politics. An added pleasure for the student of Chinese is Oi's consistent use of "pinyin" Chinese equivalents of English terms such as "production brigade" which add color to the book's already fine prose.

"China and the New World Order: How Entrepreneurship,Globalization, and Borderless Business Are Reshaping China and the World"

Average customer rating:

Cooking With the Iron Rice Bowl
The most important book I read in the last 5 years
Is a new world order in the making?...It might just happen.
Insightful and Intelligent
Prepare for the Dragon Market - Winston Ma, Author of "Investing in China: New Opportunities in a Transforming Stock Market

"China and the New World Order: How Entrepreneurship,Globalization, and Borderless Business Are Reshaping China and the World"
George, Zhibin Gu
Manufacturer: Fultus Corporation
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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ASIN: 1596821078

Book Description

China is the world's number-one growth story now. But how is it that China has achieved such quick growth in this era? How is it that made-in-China products can flood the globe? Is a trade war going to happen? Or is a new world order in the making? This second volume of a trilogy-by Chinese journalist/consultant George Zhibin Gu-aims to answer these questions and more.

Today, more than a half-million overseas companies conduct business inside China. Learn about all the opportunities this exploding market presents, including banking, insurance, and stock market, as well as the yuan and trade and cross-border business issues. Moreover, it contains extensive studies on China's political-economic reform as well as evolving international relations.

This volume addresses eight key topics:

I. China's New Role in the World Development
II. The Yuan, Trade, and Investment
III. China's Fast-Changing Society, Politics, and Economy (in light of Chinese and global history)
IV. China's Banking, Insurance, and Stock Market Reforms
V. Chinese Multinationals vs. Global Giants
VI. The Taiwan Issue: Current Affairs and Trends (federation as an alternate way for unity)
VII. India vs. China: Moving Ahead at the Same Time
VIII. The Japan-China Issue: Evolving Relations in Light of History

Today, all nations increasingly rely on one another for development, a trend that will only strengthen as time passes. As a saying goes, "The future is being shaped today." This book will appeal to readers everywhere regardless of their particular interests.

Customer Reviews:

Cooking With the Iron Rice Bowl.......2007-03-27

Part reference, part musing, part insightful and timely analysis, George Zhibin Gu's latest book "China and the New World Order: How Entrepreneurship, Globalization, and Borderless Business are Reshaping China and the World" is a welcome and refreshing read among the endless new titles printed on China today.

Picking up on a focus of his previous book "China's Global Reach...," Gu goes further and identifies the chief impediment to China's latest and perhaps most difficult transition as the Chinese state itself. Gu reveals the seemingly historical inevitability of China's vast government apparatus but explains that Communist Party bureaucracy is unique in Chinese experience in the size and scope of its all-encompassing control.

In topics relative to today's readers Gu ably demonstrates through the book that changes in China come from the revived entrepreneurial instinct of the Chinese. Along with huge foreign investment China's ever-growing private sector is the outside influence that is challenging Chinese bureaucracy as never before. But while the Chinese people struggle to create a law-based society and break the bureaucracy's grip on all aspects of economic life, the Chinese state seeks an equal footing among world national powers.

"China and the New World Order" is nicely segmented into short but highly relevant chapters. As in his earlier works Gu deftly examines the pros and cons of numerous hot-button issues on China. For example he takes on the Taiwan - China knot and proposes an interesting solution, a federation or federal system as a means toward meaningful (and mutually beneficial) reunification although his federal system shares more similarity to a commonwealth in the opinion of this reviewer. Gu's look at delicate state of Japan and China relations reveals that Japan remains as apprehensive over Chinese growth and potential as it was in the past. In examining the India versus China debate Gu shows that there is far less competition (as Western press prefers to portray it) and more similarities between the two giants of Asia.

There is plenty of current information here and the detailed contents and summaries make the book a good quick reference for anyone with an interest in what's happening right now in China. And there are goodies such as a lengthy interview with Mark Mobius and a foreword by Hoover Institute fellow William Ratliff.

At one point in his analysis, Gu intriguingly compares the struggle in China to the old European church-state alliance. With that view in mind, what may be needed next and with luck what Chinese entrepreneurs may succeed in bringing is a Chinese "Glorious Revolution."

The most important book I read in the last 5 years.......2006-12-25

This new book from Dr. George Zhibin Gu is a geo-economics and geopolitical masterpiece from an insider, someone that thrives his consulting work and daily life inside China, not writing or comment from a comfortable chair in London or New York paid by a western think tank, or only for academic proposals. His challenge is to write for a broad audience out of China. I must refer his clever suggestions about Taiwan - a political proposal for a a federation - and the way he sees the go global from Chinese emergent multinationals. It is needed a lot of courage for an insider to be so clear in his proposals and to identify the old Chinese problem - bureaucracy, the same that stopped admiral Cheng Ho and the Discoveries in the XV Century, that closed China for so many centuries and gave an opportunity for foreign powers to humiliate China, hyper-bureaucracy that in the Mao period pulled China for chaos and economic and social distress. China and the New World Order is a must reading. Jorge Nascimento Rodrigues, editor of www.gurusonline.tv and translator of Made in China (published in Portuguese language).

Is a new world order in the making?...It might just happen........2006-12-15

Base on the number of book in relation to this matter so far I believe that no one has come close to capturing "new China's" spirit and meaning as Gu. After reading his second volume I found it to be hugely insightful on the current events of China and global affairs. It greatly explores the key factors that shape Chinese and global development in the next stages. It gives tremendous info and analysis on the Chinese government, politics, business and economy for any one's interest.

There's a huge amount of info on foreign businesses inside China. You will be able to see about twenty five American and global multinationals inside of China that are studied. In the meantime it gives us a very provocative analysis on China's new role in the world. Gu details this general picture of how China is walking away from a practical society and embracing an open, restless and dynamic society. It claims that an overextended, self-appointed bureaucracy remains the key problem for China. To overcome countless technical barriers, greater openness, entrepreneurship and global involvement is all needed. Again, it's very insightful on the issues between China, Taiwan, Japan, India and West. I will add that his analyses on Japan-China line up are very interesting as well as Taiwan. There' a tremendous amount of info and analysis on China's financial, banking, insurance and stock market.

Author George Zhibin Gu is a very outspoken and a well known Chinese journalist who has generally covered mergers and acquisitions, capital activities, business expansion, and restructuring. He's an insider who gives us scrupulous examination on current China and global affairs which is more than a reason why you should grab hold to this book.

Insightful and Intelligent.......2006-12-11

George Gu provides a depth of understanding that distinguishes his work from most other business books. His wide network of contacts gives insight into emerging trends. He provides useful context that western authors often lack and Chinese authors frequently take for granted.

Prepare for the Dragon Market - Winston Ma, Author of "Investing in China: New Opportunities in a Transforming Stock Market.......2006-11-07

For the international investor community, "Investing in China" in the new century is more or less a one-way investment and capital flow. Mr. Gu's book, however, looks one step further to explore how all these interactions would reshape the global horizon, both for China and the rest of the world.

In fact, China's outward influence is increasingly obvious. For instance, whether China would diversify its foreign currency reserve -- and consequently whether China will enter into the gold market to hedge its US dollar exposure -- has profound implications in the global financial markets.

Comparing to many other books on China, Mr. Gu's book has a truly "authentic Chinese" flavor. The reason is obvious: He is an INSIDER. As a native Chinese, he captures the spirit of China's latest developments in its not-too-short historic context.

Chinese Coal Industry - An Economic History (Routledgecurzon Studies on the Chinese Economy, 2)

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Chinese Coal Industry - An Economic History (Routledgecurzon Studies on the Chinese Economy, 2)
Elspeth Thomson
Manufacturer: RoutledgeCurzon
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

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ASIN: 0700717277

Book Description

The coal industry has been and continues to be of critical importance for China's economic modernization. With its huge labour force, country-wide infrastructure, and vital strategic importance for the economy, the industry presents special problems for reformers, and epitomises the problems of reform in the state industrial sector as a whole. This book examines the changes in the structure and operation of the Chinese coal industry from the mid-19th century to the present, concentrating on the years of reform. Although the focus is on the economics of the industry, the book also provides many insights into China's socio-political development.

China's Global Reach: Markets, Multinationals, and Globalization (Revised and Updated Edition)

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revealing and decent
powerful development lessons
must read

China's Global Reach: Markets, Multinationals, and Globalization (Revised and Updated Edition)
George, Zhibin Gu
Manufacturer: Fultus Corporation
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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ASIN: 1596820934

Book Description

China's new economic surge is a surprise to all, but this ancient land remains a myth to both foreigners and Chinese. Get the inside story from a Chinese journalist/consultant about China's business, society, and politics under globalization and capitalism. This revised volume gives an insider's analysis on what's behind China's surge and its implications to the world. It covers key global issues such as manufacturing and job transfers, Chinese multinationals vs. global giants, and changing production, trade and investment trends, as well as evolving international relations.

"China's Global Reach" explores:

- The ever-increasing influence of foreign multinationals (15 plus case studies);
- National and business competition;
- The ever-expanding power of Chinese multinationals (15 plus case studies);
- Global job and manufacturing transfers;
- The rise of Chinese consumers vs. opportunities;
- China's political-economic reform;
- Changing global production and economic map;
- Comparative studies on China, US, Europe, Japan and India;
- Evolving international relations;
- Convergent movement of global civilizations; and
- And more - including an afterword by Andre Gunder Frank!

"China's Global Reach: Markets, Multinationals, and Globalization" is a straightforward and timely analysis of a changing world in relation to a fast-developing China. It is a book perfect for professionals, investors, policy makers, educators, and students, as well as for anyone who questions how the world will move ahead to the next stages.

Customer Reviews:

revealing and decent.......2006-08-16

Author Gu is a brave fellow. He offers straightfoward info and analysis on what is really inside Chinese business and political world. He is highly critical of the Communist ills that continue to cause hellish problems for China and foreign operations inside. Other than this abusive bureaucratic power, Chinese people are very diligent and creative. But the key is to get rid of the overextended bureaucratic power, as so claims by Gu.

This book is a must read -- it is a rare book that reveals the inner workings of the Chinese bureaucratic system. This new edition is very nice, which is sharply revised and expanded. (Five stars for his new edition)

powerful development lessons .......2006-08-03

Author George Zhibin Gu is a high-profile Chinese journalist whose powerful newspaper pieces are widely read. This book is a must read. The reason for my recommendation is simple: This book summarises the key lessons from a fast-changing China under globalization and capitalism.

These lessons are powerful. First, an open society is a must in order to gain true development. Second, having foreign involvement is a key driving force for China's quick development in this era. Third, a truly meaningful development must depend on individual private initiatives other than government bureaucracy.

This book gives rather straightforward analysis on what is behind China's new development. It gives tremendous information on foreign multinationals and investors doing biz inside. Furthermore, it gives huge info on how this foreign involvement affects China's society, government and economy. In particular, it is extremely open about the ills of the Chinese bureaucracy. To overcome bureaucratic barriers, it emphasizes the need for greater private initiative as well as openness, among other things.

Also, the book talks about the ever-increasing influences of China's surge on global development. It gives very insightful analysis on a changing global production, investment, and trade map, as well as manufacturing and job transfers, among other issues.

The book also offers much practical advice on doing biz in China. Numerous case studies are presented, including both successes and failures.

must read.......2006-07-29

This book is for all readers. Not to mention other things, it contains several dozen case studies on global multinationals doing business in China, like Wal-Mart, P&G, Intel, HSBC, Bank of America, Ford, Siemens, BP, Unilever, Sony, GE, GM, Morgan Stanley, and Microsoft. (Amazingly, this revised and updated volume gives most current info on China -- even events happened in May 2006 are contained here.)

It also gives huge info on emerging Chinese multinationals. All the leading Chinese companies such as Haier, Huawei, TCL, Lenovo, China Telecom, Baosteel, China Oil, Sinopec, CNOOC, and Ping An are studied here. Furthermore, comparisons are made between the Chinese companies and their international counterparts. These discussions are straightforward, covering both strengths and weaknesses.

Its scope is rather wide: the author aims to identify key factors behind global development: causes, effects, and consequences. He offers vast info and analysis on a changing global production, investment and trade map, which involves all nations, rich or poor. Interesting comparative studies involve US, Canada, Europe, India, Japan and China. Above all, he pinpoints opportunities and challenges under globalization.

Also it is highly critical of the abusive Chinese bureaucratic power. Gu claims that China's fundamental weakness is with this overextended, self-appointed bureaucratic power. Vast info and facts are presented to support his statement.

He is a high-profile newspaper commentator/consultant that adds much color to his discussions. The book's key strengths come from the fact that the author has vast first-hand experiences, so that he gives countless insider's stories. Its style and presentation is very reader friendly and straightforward, but its analysis is overpowering.

Sources of Chinese Economic Growth, 1978-1996 (Studies on Contemporary China)

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A leftist growth theory by a sociologist
Demonstrates how the State caused China's growth
Brilliant study of the conditions of growth

Sources of Chinese Economic Growth, 1978-1996 (Studies on Contemporary China)
Chris Bramall
Manufacturer: Oxford University Press, USA
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

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ASIN: 0198296975

Book Description

This analysis of the political economy of growth in the era of Deng Xiaoping takes issue with the growth-accounting methodologies and market-centred explanations which characterize so much of the literature on transition-era China. By adopting an approach which echoes the pioneering work of Chalmers Johnson, Alice Amsden, and Robert Wade on other East Asian Economies, and which makes full use of the rich statistical materials that have become available since 1978, this book shows that Chinese growth was driven by a combination of state-led industrial policy and the favourable infrastructural legacies of the Maoist era. And in giving due weight to the sheer complexity of the growth process by looking in detail at the experience of four very different Chinese regions, it avoids over-simplistic macroeconomic generalization. Nevertheless, even this type of approach is inadequate, because it fails to explain why industrial policy has been so much more successful in China than in other countries. This book therefore goes beyond the 'development state' approach to argue that state autonomy in China reflected the remarkably equal distribution of income and wealth at the end of the 1970s and, paradoxically, the destruction of party structures and institutions during the Cultural Revolution. The policy implications are stark. The Chinese experience demonstrates that industrial policy and state spending on physical and social infrastructure can produce rich rewards; conversely, slavish reliance on foreign direct investment and trade are likely to limit the pace of growth. But attempts to replicate China's success in Latin America, sub-Saharan Africa, and South Asia will fail because their governments will not resist rent-seeking by classes and interest groups. Moreover, as the state becomes weaker in the wake of the re-emergence of a powerful capitalist class, even Chinese growth may prove unsustainable.

Customer Reviews:

A leftist growth theory by a sociologist.......2006-06-14

If a Nobel Prize for studying the Chinese economy was given to Chris Bramall, the Prize would worth nothing. His theory is essentially the same with those rightist economists: production inputs lead to economic growth. The only difference is, rightist economists still believe that incentives, efficency, factor mobility all matter. The one who actually got the Nobel Prize is Douglass North who reveals that economic growth is caused by institutions that favor production inputs, incentives, efficency, factor mobility, and property rights.

---Bramall argues that a combination of state-led industrial policy and the favorable legacies of industrialization, human capital (health and education), infrastructure, technology, and capital stock during the socialist era produced China's growth. He shows that industrialization was the key source of growth, and that foreign trade and foreign investment (Open Door policy) were less important than usually thought. Growth was not a result of trade liberalization, the end of socialism, unleashing the productive powers of capitalism, or backwards initial conditions at the end of the Maoist era. Bramall claimed that despite numerous positive influences (such as a restructured incentive system, foreign trade, R & D spending), the release of labor from agriculture reduced labor productivity and did not have a positive impact on China's economic growth, as if the release of labor won't increase total production.

Bramall shows that, in general, inequalities of property and wealth are the real obstacle to growth and improved living standards. The owners of capital, the ruling class, block economic progress. He concludes, "A radical and effective land reform coupled with an assault on private industrial capital are necessary preconditions for the implementation of successful state intervention in a developing country", and "for most countries, there is probably no alternative but the seizure of power by armed struggle."

Chris Bramall: Sources of Chinese Economic Growth, 1978-1996, (Oxford University Press, 2000).

Demonstrates how the State caused China's growth.......2004-09-06

Bramall's book demonstrates conclusively that state planning and intervention, not markets, caused China's massive economic growth in the last quarter century.

Bramall shows how Mao did an excellent job of developing Chinese capability for growth through infrastructural development and building human capital. He refutes the myth that China was able to develop industrially because of a large amount of argicultural labor just sitting around. He shows that the surplus was created by the economic progress of the late seventies, leading to a decrease in the labor needed to produce a given output.

However, his argument that this release of labor didn't greatly contribute to growth fails. To excerpt a longer article I planned to write:

I will attempt to dissect Bramall's claim that the release of labor from agriculture reduced labor productivity and did not have a positive impact on China's economic growth (p.185). Bramall's argument largely rests on his assertion that, despite numerous positive influences (such as a restructured incentive system, foreign trade, R & D spending), labor productivity "only" increased by 6.5 percent per year. According to Bramall, something must have had an offsetting influence on these positive factors, and he pins the blame on the impact of labor transfers out of agriculture. Austrians, however, reject attempts to measure labor productivity on the grounds that the value of total output cannot be calculated. As Frank Stoshak says, "To calculate a total, several data sets must be added together. To be added, analytical rigor requires that they have some unit in common. But the 'non-farm business sector' includes a huge diversity of products and services; it is not possible to simply add these up and arrive at a total". The rest of Bramall's argument is just as flawed. He points out that those who migrated to industrial centers were resented by the local population. Some were paid lower incomes, and the local governments even restricted the the range of jobs in which they could be employed. Because of this and other factors, migrants ended up working at factories whose labor productivity was below average (pp. 185-6). While this may have lowered average productivity statistics, which Bramall's language surprisingly does not suggest [1], it could not have decreased total production. Picture a man who produces ten bushels of food per hour, and then picture another man who comes and produces five. Average productivity is depressed from 10 to 7.5 bushels of food per hour, but total production increased. Since Bramall's goal is to explain what did and did not contribute to the total growth in industrial production, his argument fails. The addition of worse workers need not even decrease the average, as the division of labor is extended.

The next biggest problem in Bramall's analysis is his account of the state rising aggregate demand in the agricultural sector. The state increased the prices they paid for grain, hopefully providing incentives to workers to use underutilized capacity. The biggest problem for Bramall's argument is the existence of an income effect, yet he barely devotes one line to it.

Bramall also decisively refutes the myth that the Open Door policy and international trade caused China's growth.

However, I would hesitate before drawing any interventionist policy implications from this book. Bramall shows that the extremely high growth rates in the past quarter century are a product of the state increasing social and infrastructural capability over nearly the entire century. A more indicative reading of the statistics should take into account the average growth for this whole period, as the same policy could not always yield the growth rates it did in its highest period (1978-96). When looked at as a more gradual growth over 50 or 100 years, China's achievement does not seem as great.

Brilliant study of the conditions of growth.......2003-12-02

This important book provides both an intensive study of how and why the Chinese economy grew after 1978, and a wide-ranging discussion of the conditions of economic growth. He examines and refutes the simple, capitalist explanation for China's high rate of growth, that Mao's death in 1976 ended socialism, unleashing the productive powers of capitalism.

Bramall argues that a combination of state-led industrial policy and the favourable infrastructural legacies of the socialist era produced China's growth. He shows that industrialisation was the key source of growth, and that foreign trade and foreign investment were less important than usually thought.

He reminds us of the great achievements of the Chinese people under socialism - the spreading of industry, the tripling, between 1952 and 1978, of the area of China that was irrigated, the consistently high investment in the countryside, the development of a transport network, and the great improvements in health and education. He notes that in the 1950s and 1960s China was forced to adopt a strategy of defensive industrialisation in the face of threats from both the USA and the USSR.

In his general discussion of the conditions of economic growth, he shows that, "contra Nairn, Anderson, and others, the British problem is capitalism itself, not the persistence of pre-capitalist structures and institutions." Capitalist rapacity has always held back manufacturing industry, and is now destroying it. Britain is too capitalist, not too feudal. The `left', like Thatcher and the European Union, attack the wrong targets - the Constitution, the monarchy, the House of Lords, the landed gentry.

Book Description

In this provocative, important study, Dali L. Yang examines a wide range of governance reforms in the People’s Republic of China, including administrative rationalization, divestiture of businesses operated by the military, and the building of anticorruption mechanisms. The author also analyzes how China’s leaders have reformed existing institutions and constructed new ones to cope with unruly markets, curb corrupt practices, and bring about a regulated economic order.

Though still a work in progress, Yang arugues, taken together these reforms have improved the institutional environment for economic development and altered the landscape for China’s ongoing struggle against rampant corruption. These measures are also likely to have important implications for the exercise of governmental authority and for China’s future political development. As China’s role on the world stage expands, the way the State conducts itself assumes increasing importance not just for those concerned about the welfare of the Chinese people but also for those interested in China’s role in regional and world affairs.

International Joint Ventures in China: Ownership, Control and Performance (Studies on the Chinese Economy)

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International Joint Ventures in China: Ownership, Control and Performance (Studies on the Chinese Economy)
Yanni Yan
Manufacturer: Palgrave Macmillan
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

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ASIN: 0312223013

Book Description

Corporate governance, namely the relationship between the ownership and control of firms, takes on new dimensions in the case of international joint ventures operating in the special context of China. The present study contributes a new examination of this relationship firstly through its conceptual refinement, and secondly through original empirical research. It develops the concept of ownership as suited to joint venture, in which account is taken of non-capital resourcing by foreign and Chinese partners.

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