This book details one country’s brilliantly executed plan for global domination, meant to successfully usurp another’s hegemonic status before their very eyes as they willfully hand over the keys to their success to the agents of their demise, none the wiser to their fatal mistake.

China’s unprecedented rise to power should be a great cause of concern for the Western world. The economic and social philosophies favoured by the CCP, and the style of governance the country has managed to implement in a relatively short time are two ignitors that sparked the flames of their success.

However, lapses in judgement and the lax attitudes of Western politicians have certainly aided them along in their bid for supremacy over the free market. Their leadership has relied on the deployment of specific tactics, and the nonchalant, bordering on arrogant attitudes of Western politicians now threatens the landscapes of democracy and trade as we know it. Curtailing their advancement is critical in salvaging and reversing what’s left of the global economic playing field, but immediate action must be taken before we push beyond the point of no return.

Spoiler-Free Plot

Edouard Prisse has fallen on the right side of predicting impactful outcomes twice before. In this book, his opinions on the dilemma of China’s enrichment and manoeuvering for power are delivered with stark honesty.

Each of the two parts of this book serve a purpose. First, we are taken back in time to the origins of China as we know it today—particularly the steps taken to launch the country to the position it currently occupies. Key players and their roles are introduced to better pinpoint hinge moments in the series of actions that gave way to what many view as a corrupted symbiosis that exists today.

Emphasis is placed on the amount of spending money China gains each year that is then put towards quid pro quo projects that ultimately lead to accruing more influence on the global stage and greater financial returns year after year and far into the future. A well thought out solution is provided, calling for those who take heed to consider.

The second part delves further into discussions of “the fifth column”, the One China policy, and factors in Europe as a talking point, highlighting the missteps taken by leaders in the past and the potential of reversing or balancing out the scales to give everyone a fighting chance against the behemoth of China’s economic presence.

My Take on Sleeping with the Enemy

Edouard Prisse has taken on the mythological or fabled role of an oracle whose omens of the future are vehemently ignored until the moment they begin to come into fruition. I’m not knowledgeable enough in the field of finance or geopolitics for this comparison to hold much credence, but from the layout of this book, I would liken his role with that of a Michael Burry of sorts—with the exception of his forecasts being ignored by those who wield the power to affect the most change, and the general public who have the ability to put a persuasive level of pressure on their leaders to influence an alternative outcome.

Mr.Prisse hit the nail on the head by highlighting that corruption, indolence, selfishness and blind comfort are to blame for the situation at hand but those who choose to embody these characteristics will not have a change of heart until there is proof of impending negative impact upon themselves.

Sleeping with the Enemy is written with the sole purpose of offering up a workable solution. I admire the optimistic ideal, that there is still time to turn things around. Hailing from a developing country, my biases prevent me from being swayed to one direction over another, with my focus more drawn to more immediate national concerns, although, putting myself in the shoes of an American, a Brit or a German, I can understand the validity of the concerns raised and this book does provide a well-dressed argument, complete with “all the trimmings”.

I was personally intrigued by the mention of “the fifth column”, having never encountered the term before. The author’s boldness in his handling of this matter reminded me of this quote (meant in the most neutral, least offensive way):

“You only look crazy until it works… then you’re a genius.”

Politics and economics are not my usual areas of expertise, but I still found this book’s perspective insightful and appreciated the opportunity to engage with its ideas.

Age Rating

16 years and above

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