Accidental Conflict

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

In the short span of three years, America and China have entered a trade war, a tech war, and a new Cold War. This conflict between the world’s two most powerful nations wouldn’t have happened, were it not for an unnecessary clash between 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 America’s resistance to market-based socialism, overlooking 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 nation’s 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 road map to restoring a mutually advantageous relationship.