Provides an exceptional explanation of the astounding changes that China has experienced, and offers a sober assessment of the challenges the nation currently faces. This important work on understanding contemporary China is essential for all China watchers."—Joshua Wallace, Library Journal "Beautifully written, and dotted with poetic passages unexpected in a book of political analysis."—Justin Jon Rudelson, Pacific Affairs “This book is a gift for those seeking to understand in all of its complexities the preeminent issue of our times—the rise of China and the implications for the rest of us. With data-rich analysis, it captures the sweeping political, economic, and social changes of China’s last forty years and, without being alarmist, delineates persuasively the things that both we and the Chinese should genuinely worry about. It is an important guide to both scholars and policy makers.”—John McLaughlin, Distinguished Practitioner-in-Residence at Johns Hopkins University and former deputy director of the CIA “The best book on contemporary China today, Following the Leader is a true insider’s account of how the Chinese think about the world and how the world should think about China. A compelling and engaging read for first-time China travelers, seasoned China watchers, and anyone else interested in understanding the emergence of this global power.”—Elizabeth C. Economy, C.V. Starr Senior Fellow and Director for Asia Studies, Council on Foreign Relations