SOCIAL SCIENCES

What the U.S. Can Learn from China

An Open-Minded Guide to Treating Our Greatest Competitor as Our Greatest Teacher
What the U.S. Can Learn from China: An Open-Minded Guide to Treating Our Greatest Competitor as Our Greatest Teacher. Berrett-Koehler, dist. by Ingram. 2012. c.288p. ISBN 9781609941246. $27.95. BUS
COPY ISBN
Lee (finance & economics, New York Univ.) suggests that the answers to current U.S. economic challenges may be found by examining China's best practices. Her fresh perspective deconstructs negative U.S. attitudes toward China and encourages humility. Her narrative reads like a national self-help book: countries seeking to improve themselves should learn from competition and reformulate good policies. Lee focuses on how the United States can benefit from understanding China's approach to governance, economic policy, and education, including key ideas of meritocracy, strategic planning, and Confucian values. Her foremost desire is to help the two countries work together to create a better world. This title presents a distinct voice in the conversation about the rise of contemporary China and the future of the United States in the global economy.
VERDICT Although Lee is aware of China's shortcomings, she chooses not to address any of China's worst practices. This lack of balance, combined with her foreboding analysis of the U.S. economy, might turn some readers off her well-argued proposals for growth. Recommended for open-minded readers with an interest in economic policy and Sino-American relations.
Comment Policy:
  • Be respectful, and do not attack the author, people mentioned in the article, or other commenters. Take on the idea, not the messenger.
  • Don't use obscene, profane, or vulgar language.
  • Stay on point. Comments that stray from the topic at hand may be deleted.
  • Comments may be republished in print, online, or other forms of media.
  • If you see something objectionable, please let us know. Once a comment has been flagged, a staff member will investigate.


RELATED 

ALREADY A SUBSCRIBER?

We are currently offering this content for free. Sign up now to activate your personal profile, where you can save articles for future viewing

ALREADY A SUBSCRIBER?