Political scientists David Shambaugh take on four possible future courses for China: neo-totalitarianism, hard authoritarianism (which he argues is the current practice), soft authoritarianism (which they had a decade ago, he argues), or neo Democracy. He considers the middle two options the most likely and works through the implications in the areas of economics, politics and foreign policy in separate chapters devoted to each. It demonstrates Shambaugh's lifelong study of China, thoughtfulness, and ability to change his mind as circumstances change.