Unrestricted Warfare

China's Master Plan to Destroy America

By: Qiao Liang, Wang Xiangsui

Narrated by: Scott Pollak

A sobering and fascinating study on war in the modern era, Unrestricted Warfare carefully explores strategies that militarily and politically disadvantaged nations might take in order to successfully attack a geopolitical super-power like the United States. American military doctrine is typically led by technology; a new class of weapon or vehicle is developed, which allows or encourages an adjustment in strategy. Military strategists Qiao Liang and Wang Xiangsui argue that this dynamic is a crucial weakness in the American military, and that this blind spot with regard to alternative forms warfare could be effectively exploited by enemies. Unrestricted Warfare concerns the many ways in which this might occur, and, in turn, suggests what the United States might do to defend itself.

The traditional mentality that offensive action is limited to military action is no longer adequate given the range of contemporary threats and the rising costs-both in dollars and lives lost-of traditional warfare. Instead, Liang and Xiangsui suggest the significance of alternatives to direct military confrontation, including international policy, economic warfare, attacks on digital infrastructure and networks, and terrorism. Even a relatively insignificant state can incapacitate a far more powerful enemy by applying pressure to their economic and political systems. Exploring each of these considerations with remarkable insight and clarity, Unrestricted Warfare is an engaging evaluation of our geopolitical future.

©1999 Qiao Liang and Wang Xiangsui (P)2022 Licensing Management, Inc.

Pay attention

They are telling us how they will fight. Every American service member needs to read this. Here is our future enemy and they gave us their playbook.
Jason B Virginia, USA

the worst thing about this book is that it is out of date

the USA plays checkers the Russians don't play chess on the world stage bc their position is weak . . .

Understanding the Chinese approach to war! Why we should pay attention!

American government officials would benefit greatly from the material in this book! It should be required reading for all American government officials.

Fascinating take on history and potential future of warfare

The cultural differences and inclinations quickly became apparent through the authors use of ornate language and non-Western idioms and metaphors 🙂 But that's the whole point - to get a different point of view. Overall it was an interesting read. I especially liked the last couple of chapters. Also, an excellent point on pursuing limited objectives through unlimited means.

The War we’re not trained win

Unrestricted Warfare is a good manuscript that details the character of future war. This has shown how China and US competitors are waging war against the West. This most expensive army is not always guaranteed victory.