“Breakneck: China’s Quest to Engineer the Future” by Dan Wang

While much of today’s news emphasizes growing U.S.-China tensions, Dan Wang’s Breakneck: China’s Quest to Engineer the Future offers a fresh perspective on China and sheds light on the United States in the 21st century. Combining sharp analysis with engaging storytelling, Wang presents a vivid portrait of a nation in transition. In 240 pages, he takes readers through the bustling metropolis of Shanghai and on bike rides into the countryside, offering an insightful view of China’s rapid growth and its far-reaching consequences.

Join NCTA seminar leader Tese Neighbor and World Affairs Council GC Director Ryan Hauck for a conversation on Wang’s political, economic, and philosophical exploration of the world’s two most powerful nations. Together they will consider whether China’s achievements—its vast infrastructure projects, rapidly expanding cities, global factories, and growing technological and military capacity—will challenge or inspire the United States to renew its own strengths.

• • Starts:
  • December 3, 2025
• • Ends:
  • December 4, 2025
• • Time Detail:
  • 4-6pm (PT)
• • Learning Format:
  • Online
• • Type of Course:
  • Book & Film Groups
• • Offered to:
  • All States
• • Registration and Info:

  • Participants will receive a copy of the book and are expected to read, complete a brief assignment, and actively engage in the two-hour book club session with cameras on. Participants will be assigned to either Group 1 (Wed, Dec 3) or Group 2 (Thu, Dec 4), with flexibility to switch if needed.