Table of Contents

Tables, Figures and Boxes

1. A call for economic realism

2. Europe’s failed engagement

3. China’s ambition for the future

4. China’s connectivity contest

5. The “Belt and Road” and “Made in China 2025”

6. European future made in Europe

Notes and references

About the Author

JONATHAN HOLSLAG teaches international politics at the Free University Brussels. He has published extensively on China's foreign policy strategy in Asia.

Reviews

‘A smart and provocative analysis that deserves wide attention.’
François Godement, European Council on Foreign Relations  ‘In this perceptive and pragmatic book, Jonathan Holslag awakens Europe to its romantic self-deception regarding China’s expansionist intentions and offensives. Europe must get realistic about China and this book may just be that wake-up call.’
Karel de Gucht, Vrije Universiteit Brussel and former EU trade commissioner
'A strong and thought-provoking argument about the implications of China’s rise for Europe.'
Alan Beattie, Financial Times

‘A powerful counterpoint to the increasingly complacent attitudes of European (and British) policymakers to a country that combines authoritarian politics with a state-directed economic system.’
MoneyWeek

‘Enlightening’
FT Adviser

‘The Silk Road Trap is a brief but well-argued study of the EU’s strategic concerns vis-à-vis the PRC.’
Europe-Asia Studies