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nerfnerder's review against another edition
5.0
This book should be an essential read for all, particularly in the West. Fascinating and terrifying glimpse into the Chinese state and it’s expansion into Europe.
tshrope's review against another edition
5.0
Wow! The dystopian future is NOW and China is leading the charge. Americans (and democracies all around the world) need to sit up and start paying attention to more than their own dysfunctional party politics and see how the Chinese Government, under Xi Jinping's new regime, is using AI and surveillance to monitor almost all of their citizens. Along with control of their propaganda and police force they are moving quickly to become the World's new Power Broker. If their tactics work, be assured democracies won't be far behind in modeling their Surveillance State.
colin_b's review against another edition
5.0
Especially frightening with countries all over the world closing themselves off and withdrawing focus to their internal problems in recent times. I've always been interested in The Great Firewall, but didn't anticipate how far it has been taken, or how recently things began to escalate again in China (as recently as 2013). Really recommend this even if it's not the most pleasant read.
benrogerswpg's review against another edition
5.0
Absolutely eye-opening book.
Downright scary at times.
Highly recommended for any political readers or readers who enjoy learning about the sociology of other cultures.
I found it really fascinating. It was really an interesting read.
4.9/5
Downright scary at times.
Highly recommended for any political readers or readers who enjoy learning about the sociology of other cultures.
I found it really fascinating. It was really an interesting read.
4.9/5
anthonylwolf's review against another edition
4.0
As someone working on a dystopian novel, I now feel like China is doing most of the job for me. [a:Kai Strittmatter|384155|Kai Strittmatter|https://s.gr-assets.com/assets/nophoto/user/u_50x66-632230dc9882b4352d753eedf9396530.png]'s recount of contemporary China is both gripping and terrifying, though Kai clearly never makes an effort to conceal his bias against the country's system – which makes the tale sound a bit sensationalistic in places. But I guess that's the reality of China right now.
However, like others have pointed out in this section, the interesting bits come a bit later on in the game. Some have praised this review for saying that one third of the book could be easily skipped if you know enough about China, and that is precisely on point. Until about Chapter 9 ("The Eye"), what you get is an overview of China and an exemplary recipe book for totalitarian propaganda, but it's only when technology hops onto the stage that the most interesting bits begin to surface.
I must admit, though, that despite some wordy sections largely repeating the same arguments in loop, I think this book is a must-read for anyone wanting to know more about the promise and perils of technology in the age of digital surveillance.
And to understand why everyone in Europe seems to hate Tencent so much.
However, like others have pointed out in this section, the interesting bits come a bit later on in the game. Some have praised this review for saying that one third of the book could be easily skipped if you know enough about China, and that is precisely on point. Until about Chapter 9 ("The Eye"), what you get is an overview of China and an exemplary recipe book for totalitarian propaganda, but it's only when technology hops onto the stage that the most interesting bits begin to surface.
I must admit, though, that despite some wordy sections largely repeating the same arguments in loop, I think this book is a must-read for anyone wanting to know more about the promise and perils of technology in the age of digital surveillance.
And to understand why everyone in Europe seems to hate Tencent so much.
kittic's review against another edition
4.0
A fascinated glimpse into the machine that is the Chinese state.
exactly_here's review against another edition
challenging
emotional
informative
reflective
sad
tense
medium-paced
4.75