New Cold Wars by David E. Sanger Summary

New Cold Wars analyzes the resurgence of geopolitical tensions between the U.S., China, and Russia, framing today’s conflicts as a multidirectional Cold War. Sanger argues that America’s post-Cold War assumptions about economic interdependence curbing authoritarianism failed, leading to unpreparedness for Xi Jinping’s assertiveness and Putin’s invasion of Ukraine. The book blends historical context, policy critiques, and interviews with global leaders.

This book is essential for policymakers, students of international relations, and readers interested in U.S. foreign policy challenges. It offers insights for those seeking to understand modern power dynamics, nuclear proliferation risks, and the erosion of globalization. Sanger’s journalistic style also appeals to general audiences navigating today’s complex geopolitical headlines.

Yes—Sanger’s Pulitzer-winning expertise and access to senior officials provide a gripping, timely analysis of global crises. The book’s examination of U.S. missteps in managing China’s rise and Russia’s aggression makes it critical for understanding 2020s geopolitics. However, critics note its Cold War analogy may oversimplify nuanced rivalries.

Key arguments include:

• The U.S. underestimated authoritarian resilience, assuming economic ties would liberalize China and Russia.
• Parallel confrontations with nuclear-armed rivals require updated alliances and industrial policies.
• Cyberwarfare and AI have transformed traditional power balances, demanding new defense strategies.

Sanger highlights differences: today’s conflicts involve three nuclear powers (U.S., China, Russia), not two, and are shaped by technology rivalry. Unlike the 20th-century ideological clash, current tensions stem from territorial disputes, resource competition, and autocratic consolidation. However, proxy wars and alliance-building tactics remain central.

Some scholars argue the Cold War metaphor oversimplifies China’s unique ambitions and Russia’s regional focus. Critics also note Sanger’s focus on U.S. perspectives may downplay Global South agency. However, his warnings about nuclear escalation and cyber threats are widely endorsed.

• Rebuild domestic tech and manufacturing to counter China’s dominance.
• Strengthen NATO and Indo-Pacific alliances to deter aggression.
• Develop cyber defenses against hybrid warfare tactics used by adversaries.

As a New York Times national security correspondent and Harvard lecturer, Sanger leverages decades of access to intelligence officials and global leaders. His prior books on cyber conflict (The Perfect Weapon) and presidential decision-making (Confront and Conceal) inform the analysis.

The book highlights tech as a battleground: China’s dominance in semiconductors, Russia’s cyber sabotage, and U.S. struggles to secure AI infrastructure. Sanger warns that losing the tech race could undermine military and economic superiority.

It details NATO’s delayed response to Putin’s 2014-2022 escalations, arguing Western overconfidence in deterrence allowed the invasion. Sanger praises Ukraine’s resilience but criticizes fragmented sanctions and energy policy missteps.

Key moments include:

• Post-USSR democratic optimism fading under Putin.
• China’s 2001 WTO entry failing to spur political reform.
• Obama’s “pivot to Asia” losing momentum to Middle East crises.

With ongoing tensions in Taiwan, Ukraine, and AI regulation debates, Sanger’s warnings about simultaneous crises remain urgent. The book’s policy prescriptions align with 2025 U.S. debates over semiconductor investment and NATO expansion.