China's Path to Dominance

PRAISE FOR "CHINA'S PATH TO DOMINANCE"

"Dr. Levine's work is a must-read for scholars and practitioners seeking a thorough perspective on the PRC’s strategy to supplant the United States as the world's sole superpower." —John Weaver, Ph.D., Professor of Intelligence Analysis, York College of Pennsylvania

"Timely, insightful, and necessary. Levine expertly traces China’s evolving relationship with the West, resulting in a work that is both theoretically rich and remarkably accessible. A critical resource for understanding the most consequential geopolitical dynamic of our time. A must-read." —Garrett Martin, Foreign Affairs Officer (United States)

"Derek Levine masterfully explains the past, present, and future of the most important bilateral relationship of the 21st century. Essential reading for anyone interested in geopolitics, U.S.-China relations, or the future of the international order." —Ciwan M. Can, Ph.D., Senior Geopolitical Advisor, Hyperion Strategic Advisors (Norway)

"Meticulously researched, this book charts China’s audacious rise and proposes a bold U.S. foreign policy response... offers actionable insights into one of the 21st century’s defining rivalries." —Anubhav Shankar Goswami, Murdoch University (Australia)

"An excellent and timely analysis for anyone trying to comprehend the most consequential geopolitical showdown of our lifetime." —Khyati Singh, Manohar Parrikar Institute for Defence Studies and Analyses (India)

China’s Rise to Dominance: Preparing for Confrontation with the United States, by Dr. Derek Levine, describes China's strategy under Xi Jinping to reclaim its status as the dominant global power, positioning the United States as a declining adversary. Xi Jinping aims to restore China's position by preparing for a confrontation with the United States, which is the main obstacle to China's national interests.

The Chinese government highlights how the United States mishandled events like the 2008 Financial Crisis, COVID-19, and the January 6th insurrection to promote the superiority of the Chinese model. Domestically, Xi Jinping has implemented measures such as creating a mass surveillance state, removing term limits, and purging party members to consolidate power and prepare for a potential crisis with the United States.

With China's economy expected to grow by only 4 percent, Xi Jinping may adopt a more assertive foreign policy towards the US to boost China's international stature and legitimize his rule. The book also discusses China's expected move to reunify with Taiwan by 2027, likely leading to a confrontation with the US. The book aims to examine how China views the US as a threat to justify Xi Jinping's rule and offer policy recommendations for dealing with a more assertive China. These policy recommendations are not just suggestions but a call to action for scholars, policymakers, and individuals interested in international relations and geopolitics.

Dr. Derek Levine is one of today's leading voices in geopolitics, specializing in U.S.-China relations. A full-time professor at Monroe University and King Graduate School (KGS), he has also taught at premier institutions across the United States and abroad, challenging students and scholars to move beyond headlines and critically engage with dominant narratives.
Before entering academia, Dr. Levine served as a senior analyst at the Center for Terrorism and Intelligence Studies and the Akribis Group. He remains deeply active in the intellectual community as an editor and peer reviewer for leading academic journals and publishers, and as a sought-after speaker at global policy forums, think tanks, and international conferences.
Dr. Levine earned his Ph.D. from the Josef Korbel School of International Studies at the University of Denver. With a background that spans academia, journalism, and high-level research, he brings decades of insight to the study of global affairs. Fluent in Mandarin and having lived, worked, and studied extensively in China, he offers a rare, firsthand understanding of the strategic, political, and cultural forces shaping the modern U.S.-China relationship.
He is the acclaimed author of The Dragon Takes Flight: China's Aviation Policy, Achievements, and Implications for the U.S. and Europe, and his highly anticipated second book, China's Path to Dominance: Preparing for Confrontation with the United States, will be released in July 2025.
Dr. Levine's research has been published in top-tier journals such as the Journal of Contemporary China, the American Journal of China Studies, and the Journal of Strategic Security. His analysis and commentary have appeared in major international outlets including The Wall Street Journal, Financial Times, The Guardian, BBC, Asia Times, National Review, Washington Examiner, The Hill, The Diplomat, RealClear Media, and MSNBC.