The themes dealt with here include some of the most pressing issues for the Chinese and those who interact with China: the impact of China's development on the world economic system and on its environment, the likely future stability of China, the very existence of a unified China and the fault lines along which this entity might break apart in the years ahead, and an assessment of the future of the one-party system and what might replace it. Jonathan Fenby's enlightening foreword perfectly frames this engaging and timely exploration of one of the world's most fascinating cultures.