The Trump administration's foreign policy approach was protectionist and bilateral, creating uncertainty as to whether the US would assist vulnerable neighboring nations by constraining China, the world's rising power. Hiebert (Center for Strategic and International Studies) asks how Southeast Asian nations have fared meanwhile. He has extensive journalistic experience in Southeast Asia and China, and bases the volume on interviews with principals, regional surveys, and traditional and social media. An introduction recounts diverse experiences of the nations involved with China's Belt and Road Initiative (BRI). Each of the next 10 chapters is a case study of an ASEAN member, describing its history, type of government, proximity to China, size of economy, and relations with external states (e.g., the US). A concluding chapter explains how China exploits competition and distrust among ASEAN states "working with each of them bilaterally ... to 'divide and conquer' and play them off against each other" as in the South China sea conflict. The credible advice is that leaders should share knowledge and forge a multilateral policy toward China shared across the Southeast Asian region. Recommended.

Choice Reviews

"Masterful and monumental. . . detailed and nuanced. . . . Hiebert is particularly adept at exposing the undercurrents, which he aptly describes as “the complex cocktail of hope and anxiety,” “anticipation and uneasiness,” that lies beneath the surface of China’s relations with its smaller southern neighbors. . . such as Cambodia and Laos. Among the strongest sections of Hiebert’s book are those in which he examines these countries, exposing the complexity of attitudes toward China and how small nations can still exercise agency despite their dependence on Beijing.

Foreign Affairs

Hiebert analyses the relationship between China and Southeast Asia as Beijing continues to step up its activities in the region, detailing how ten countries' experience with the emerging superpower has shaped their perceptions of it. The author suggests ways these countries could address what he calls the 'China challenge'.

Survival: Global Politics and Strategy

Hiebert has summoned his nearly two decades of reporting and impressive contemporary research to produce a book that will serve as a benchmark for the new era dawning in Asia. . . . Hiebert’s calm, balanced and rich perspective on the most urgent question facing Southeast Asia is a must-read.

Strategic Review

Six hundred million people, three trillion dollar economy and strategic location – all reasons to pay close attention to Southeast Asia. This has been accomplished in fine fashion by Murray Hiebert. What sets him apart is he observes as a journalist, elicits facts, and reports them. You feel the growing influence of China on all aspects of Southeast Asia life… security, infrastructure, finance. Murray outlines the difficult choices each of the ten nations have as they wrestle with the promise and challenge of the bulk of China. Who better to do this than someone with 45 years of experience in the region? This book matters.

Richard Armitage, former assistant secretary of State

The next century will be defined by geopolitical competition in Asia and answering the ‘China Challenge.’ Murray Hiebert does a terrific job of examining the history and the importance of a region that will be critical to US national and economic security. This work will help to develop a better model of engaging and thinking critically about Southeast Asia and China for scholars and policymakers alike. His work is clear: the future of the West will be met in the East.

U.S. Senator Cory Gardner