Accidental Conflict: America, China, and the Clash of False Narratives

The misguided forces driving conflict escalation between America and China, and the path to a new relationship

A timely, fluid, readable assessment of a testy and rapidly changing global relationship.Kirkus Reviews (starred review)

A Financial Times Best Book of the Year: Economics
 
In the short span of four years, America and China have entered a trade war, a tech war, and a new Cold War. This conflict between the worlds two most powerful nations wouldnt have happened were it not for an unnecessary clash of false narratives. America falsely blames its trade and technology threats on China yet overlooks its shaky saving foundation. China falsely blames its growth challenges on Americas alleged containment of market-based socialism, ignoring its failed economic rebalancing.

In a hard-hitting analysis of both nations economies, politics, and policies, Stephen Roach argues that much of the rhetoric on both sides is dangerously misguided, amplified by information distortion, and more a reflection of each nations fears and vulnerabilities than a credible assessment of the risks they face. Outlining the disastrous toll of conflict escalation between China and America, Roach offers a new road map to restoring a mutually advantageous relationship. See more