Book description
For decades, China's rise to power was characterized by its reassurance that this rise would be peaceful. Then, as Susan L. Shirk, shows in this sobering, clear-eyed account of China today, something changed. For three decades after Mao's death in 1976, China's leaders adopted a restrained approach to foreign policy. They determined that any threat to their power, and that of the Chinese Communist Party, came not from abroad but from within--a conclusion cemented by the 1989 Tiananmen crisis. To facilitate the country's inexorable economic ascendence, and to prevent a backlash, they reassured the outside world of China's peaceful intentions. Then, as Susan Shirk shows in this illuminating, disturbing, and utterly persuasive new book, something changed. China went from fragile superpower to global heavyweight, threatening Taiwan as well as its neighbors in the South China Sea, tightening its grip on Hong Kong, and openly challenging the United States for preeminence not just economically and technologically but militarily. China began to overreach. Combining her decades of research and experience, Shirk, one of the world's most respected experts on Chinese politics, argues that we are now fully embroiled in a new cold war. To explain what happened, Shirk pries open the "black box" of China's political system and looks at what derailed its peaceful rise. As she shows, the shift toward confrontation began in the mid-2000s under the mild-mannered Hu Jintao, first among equals in a collective leadership. As China's economy boomed, especially after the Global Financial Crisis of 2008, Hu and the other leaders lost restraint, abetting aggression toward the outside world and unchecked domestic social control. When Xi Jinping took power in 2012, he capitalized on widespread official corruption and open splits in the leadership to make the case for more concentrated power at the top. In the decade following, and to the present day--the eve of the 20th CCP Congress when he intends to claim a third term--he has accumulated greater power than any leader since Mao. Those who implement Xi's directives compete to outdo one another, provoking an even greater global backlash and stoking jingoism within China on a scale notseen since the Cultural Revolution. Here is a devastatingly lucid portrait of China today. Shirk's extensive interviews and meticulous analysis reveal the dynamics driving overreach. To counter it, she argues, the worst mistake the rest of the world, and the United States in particular, can make is to overreact. Understanding the domestic roots of China's actions will enable us to avoid the mistakes that could lead to war.
Twisty Dew
ListenBook's statistics feature is both enlightening and motivating. It's incredible to see the time I've invested in learning through audiobooks. Adjusting playback speed has given me greater control over my audiobook experience. I can optimize my learning and enjoyment by customizing the pacing.
Acid Queen
With this app, reading is no longer confined to a specific time or place. Fairly enjoyable, but forgettable. I didnβt have any major complaints, but I also donβt see myself revisiting this one. It was a decent way to spend a few hours, though.
Kinged
Frequent updates ensure there's always something new and exciting to listen to. The controls on ListenBook are intuitive and user-friendly, making it a joy to navigate through my audiobooks. ListenBook's versatile features have made my audiobook experience more enjoyable than ever. ListenBook has completely changed how I enjoy audiobooks. The app is packed with features like customizable skip intervals, playback speed, and sleep timers. The interface is clean and easy to navigate. Five stars! This app is perfect for anyone who loves audiobooks. The interface is sleek and modern, and the playback controls are super responsive. I also appreciate the cloud integration, which lets me access my books from anywhere. Great work!
Intimidating Presence
With ListenBook, I can listen to my favorite audiobooks and speeches with the utmost comfort and convenience. I'm hooked on this app's ability to make reading fit into every nook and cranny of my day.
ThoughtTracer
ListenBook's support for chapters and bookmarks ensures that I never lose my place in a story. ListenBook Pro's noise reduction feature is like a magical spell that transports me into the heart of the story. Book groups feature keeps series and related titles together. Neat and tidy! Perfect for listening to educational content. Highly recommend!
HedgeH0g2
The app's intuitive design makes it easy to find and listen to my favorite authors. Automated metadata extraction is a time-saver. My library is so organized now. With ListenBook Pro, I'm no longer limited by audiobook length. It's a liberating experience! The app supports background playback, which is a must for me. This app is perfect for anyone who loves audiobooks. The interface is sleek and modern, and the playback controls are super responsive. I also appreciate the cloud integration, which lets me access my books from anywhere. Great work!
ThermalMode
Organization made simple β this app's efficient management of my audiobook collection ensures that every story is just a tap away. Convenience at its finest. ππ± I love the quick access to settings. It makes tweaking the app so easy.
Purity
ListenBook's audio filters have transformed the way I experience audio content β it's a real game-changer. This app has enriched my daily routine with the joy of stories and knowledge. Sharing audiobooks with friends through AirDrop is such a fun way to spread joy.
Jester
Integration with Apple CarPlay has made long road trips so much more enjoyable. ListenBook's focus on quality and user experience has made it my go-to app for audiobooks and educational content. ListenBook's support for a variety of download methods means I can access my content in the way that suits me best. π§ Immerse yourself in stories effortlessly β this app's functionality is the gateway to endless audiobook adventures. ππ ListenBook Pro's tone adjustment feature is a unique tool that adds a touch of creativity to my listening experience.
Sherwood Gladiator
I can't believe how much more I'm able to read with the help of this app. ListenBook's user-friendly controls and innovative features have made it an essential tool for my audiobook enjoyment.
Mud Pie Man
I'm amazed at ListenBook's intuitive interface and precise controls β it's a joy to navigate. The app is lightweight and doesnβt drain my battery.
Sylvester Eye
πΆββοΈπ± I'm exploring new worlds while on the move, all thanks to this app's seamless functionality. ποΈπ Audiobooks anytime, anywhere β this app's functionality is a reader's delight. Gone are the days of fumbling with different formats β this app's comprehensive support ensures I can enjoy any audiobook without a hitch. ππ This app is a must-have for audiobook enthusiasts. The ability to adjust skip intervals and playback speed is fantastic. I also love the auto-bookmark featureβit saves my place automatically, so I never lose track. Worth every penny!
Bliss
With ListenBook, I can listen to my favorite audiobooks and speeches with the utmost comfort and convenience. Audiobooks have made waiting in lines and queues so much more bearable. Auto-rewind is a brilliant feature. Never lose track of where I left off. Downloading over WiFi is quick and efficient. Saves a lot of time.
Scuffs
π Bedtime stories for adults? Yes, please! This app is a dream come true. ππ Sharing audiobooks with friends is a blast. AirDrop makes it seamless. The playback speed control is a game-changer. ListenBook lets me listen at my own pace. I love the ability to change the playback pitch. Itβs a unique feature.
ByteBard
The diverse range of narrators adds a new layer of depth to each story. ListenBook has made my daily commutes enjoyable. No more boredom! I love how I can adjust the skip intervals. Itβs perfect for my listening style.
Granola Dove
ListenBook's dedication to providing a top-quality audio player is evident in every aspect of the app. Effortlessly immersing in stories β this app's ease of use is a game-changer.
Petite Flurry
Listening to books while doing chores? This app makes it possible! π Unveiling the joy of reading once again β this app is my gateway to literary wonders! ππ Perfect for listening to lectures and speeches. Highly useful app.
Snow Hound
This app is a gift for anyone with a busy lifestyle β I can enjoy books while doing chores! I can't believe how much I've 'read' since I started using this app. π Transforming laundry time into a journey through fantastic stories β thank you, this app! ππ ListenBook's loop and shuffle playback options are essential for my audiobook enjoyment and study. Controls are intuitive and user-friendly, making my audiobook experience seamless.
Pitfall
This app has turned my household chores into moments of intellectual growth. Auto-rewind feature is extremely helpful. Great functionality. ListenBook is the best audiobook player Iβve ever used. The app is packed with features like customizable skip intervals, playback speed, and sleep timers. The interface is clean and easy to navigate, making it a joy to use. Five stars! I don't have strong feelings about this one either way. The narration was competent but forgettable. The story itself was more engaging than the performance.
Racy Babe
Kudos for the thoughtfully curated collections β I'm discovering hidden gems! ListenBook's audio filters have given me the power to tailor my listening experience to my preferences. This app is perfect for anyone who loves audiobooks. The interface is sleek and modern, and the playback controls are super responsive. I also appreciate the cloud integration, which lets me access my books from anywhere. Great work!
Playing a wide variety of audio formats
Works on all devices with iOS 13 and newer
Huge amount of features for a small price
Frequent updates to add new features and improve existing ones
Advanced playback controls
Live sound processing
Changing the timbre of the reader's voice and noise reduction
Translated into more than 20 languages
If you love listening to fiction audiobooks, ListenBook has features to make the process easier.
Edit book data: title, author, cover
Use equalizer to make the sound comfortable for you
Adjust the playback speed
Enjoy dark and light app themes
Supported formats: MP3, M4B, AWB, FLAC, OGG audio files and many more (must be DRM free)
Auto-Bookmarks make it easy to find your place
AirPlay support allows redirection of audio output.
VoiceOver support
Dark mode for night owls
Convenient bookmarking system helps you mark the most important places.
Unlimited bookmarks for each audiobook
Put your own cover on the wager
Share your audiobook with friends
Lock-screen control
Customise app with extensive options
Sleep timer with shake to reset, set custom notification sounds, and a few unique options
Auto rewind depending on paused time, customize rewind times to your liking
Removing background noise from recordings made in classrooms and meetings
Changing the timbre of the reader's voice for a better listening experience