China's Strategic Arsenal: Worldview, Doctrine, and Systems - Paperback

by James Smith (Editor), Paul Bolt (Editor)

China's Strategic Arsenal brings together an international group of distinguished scholars to provide a fresh assessment of China's strategic military capabilities, doctrines, and political perceptions in light of rapidly advancing technologies, an expanding and modernizing nuclear arsenal, and an increased great-power competition with the United States.

Analyzing China's strategic arsenal is critical for a deeper understanding of its relations with both its neighbors and the world. Without a doubt, China's arsenal is growing in size and sophistication, but key uncertainties also lie ahead. Will the country's new capabilities and confidence lead it to be more assertive and take more risks? Will China's nuclear traditions change as the strategic balance improves? Will its approach to military competition be guided by a notion of strategic stability or not? Will there be a strategic arms race with the United States? China's Strategic Arsenal provides a current understanding of these issues as we strive for a stable strategic future with China.

Author Biography

Paul J. Bolt is a professor and the head of the Department of Political Science at the US Air Force Academy. He has published on Chinese foreign relations and defense issues, and coauthored China, Russia, and Twenty-First Century Global Geopolitics.

James M. Smith is the director of the US Air Force Institute for National Security Studies at the US Air Force Academy, where he serves as a professor of strategic studies. He has published on strategic issues, terrorism, and military leader development.