Includes bibliographical references and index.

Introduction: A contest for supremacy -- Means of ascent -- Roots of rivalry -- From containment to alignment -- "Congagement" -- "The propensity of things" -- "Hide our capabilities and bide our time" -- "To win without fighting" -- The balance of influence -- The balance of power -- Alternative strategies -- Can America keep its balance?

There may be no denying China's growing economic strength, but its impact on the global balance of power remains hotly contested. Political scientist Aaron L. Friedberg argues that our nation's leaders are failing to act expeditiously enough to counter China's growing strength. He explains how the United States and China define their goals and reveals the strategies each is now employing to achieve its ends. Friedberg demonstrates that the ultimate aim of Chinese policymakers is to "win without fighting," displacing the United States as the leading power in Asia while avoiding direct confrontation. The United States, on the other hand, sends misleading signals about our commitments and resolve, putting us at risk for a war that might otherwise have been avoided. A much-needed wake-up call to U.S. leaders and policymakers, this is a compelling interpretation of a rivalry that will go far to determine the shape of the 21st century.--From publisher description.