China's Chance to Lead

'Why do some countries receive Chinese investments directed towards infrastructure while others do not? In this informative, well-argued and richly documented book, Richard Carney moves beyond stale, outdated explanations that ignore the nuances associated with both infrastructure investment and autocratic rule. Carney argues that China seeks to own and control infrastructure projects in electoral autocracies such as Malaysia due to basic incentive compatibility: their rulers must compete in frequent, albeit rigged, elections, and thus welcome clientelistic spending because of, not despite, its inefficiencies and opaqueness. Perhaps the most important contribution is Carney's ample documentation of China's efforts to dominate standard setting around digital technologies associated with the unfolding Fourth Industrial Revolution. The stakes could not be higher.' Victor Menaldo, Professor, University of Washington and Co-founder and co-director of the UW Political Economy Forum
'A focused, detailed scholarship on China's Belt and Road initiative that is sorely needed. Carney's address of why countries participate in the BRI, and why and how China engages them, is particular interesting. Both the argument and evidence are convincing and compelling.' David C. Kang, Maria Crutcher Professor of International Relations, University of Southern California
'Developing countries are growing more than twice as fast as advanced economies and will soon account for two-thirds of global GDP. For multinational corporations, it is vital to establish operations in these markets. Chinese organizations possess novel forms of competitive advantage that Western firms are still learning to adapt to. With truly comprehensive evidence, Richard Carney shows where Chinese firms are most eagerly welcomed for their decades-long commitments to build and maintain infrastructure projects which in turn grants other Chinese firms privileged access to the fast-growing demand for digital technologies. 'China's Chance to Lead' is essential reading for executives looking to understand China's newly influential role among developing countries and the accompanying opportunities and risks.' Allan Gabor, President Merck China, EVP Electronics