Chinese Investments and the Economic Security Turn in Europe - by Francesca Ghiretti (Hardcover)

Book Synopsis

Focusing on inward foreign direct investment (FDI) screening, this book provides an in-depth analysis of how European states' economic interactions with China have become a security issue.

Based on 100 interviews with scholars, journalists, policy makers, and politicians from across Europe, the book underscores the importance of the policy making process that led to the adoption of investment screening in European nations for the development of the EU's economic security approach. The book details how the economic security shift in Europe is attributed to changes such as China's growing economic presence, the persistence of non-market practices, the loss of competitiveness, and the use of economic statecraft.

Review Quotes

"An excellent read on the China-Europe nexus and an original account of how a purely economic concept has become a security issue." Agnes Szunomar, Corvinus University of Budapest and the China in Europe Research Network (CHERN)

"An authoritative account of the rise of European investment screening and the role of Chinese investment." Sarah Bauerle Danzman, Indiana University Bloomington

"This critical and much-needed text highlights in a clear and impactful way the significant role played by Chinese investments, set against the wider securitization of Europe's economic relations with China. It is a fine addition to the canon of EU-China international political economy, with key insights on bilateral foreign investment and national security issues." Amelia Hadfield, University of Surrey

About the Author

Francesca Ghiretti is Research Leader at Rand Europe where her research focuses on economic security, Europe-China relations, and China's foreign economic policy. She is also Adjunct Fellow (non-resident) at the Wadhwani AI Center at the Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS).