In the meticulously researched and provocatively argued "The Hundred-Year Marathon," Michael Pillsbury, a seasoned expert in U.S.-China relations, unveils the covert strategy propelling China's meteoric rise to global preeminence. With unparalleled access to defectors, as well as a treasure trove of newly declassified documents, Pillsbury constructs a compelling narrative that challenges the prevailing optimism surrounding China's ascent. He posits that the Chinese Dream is not about mutual growth and global harmony but about overtaking the United States as the premiere global superpower by the centennial of the People's Republic in 2049. Through fluent Mandarin and insider knowledge gained from decades within the highest echelons of national security, Pillsbury decodes the ambitious blueprint laid out by China's military and intelligence hawks. Their strategy, deeply rooted in the ancient tenets of Chinese statecraft, is designed to achieve dominance subtly and without direct conflict. Pillsbury's narrative is a stark wake-up call to the United States, critiquing the role it has played, sometimes unwittingly, in facilitating China's rise. He meticulously demonstrates how America's policies, driven by a mix of naiveté and strategic misjudgments, have inadvertently contributed to the realization of the China Dream. With vivid storytelling and critical insights, "The Hundred-Year Marathon" is more than just a revelation of China's intentions; it is a pressing call for a strategic pivot in the way the U.S. engages with what is arguably the most significant national security challenge of the twenty-first century. Pillsbury advocates for a robust and realistic approach towards China, urging a departure from wishful thinking to a stance that recognizes the intricate and long-game strategy China is playing. This book is an essential read for policymakers, scholars, and anyone interested in understanding the true dynamics of the shifting global order and the intricate dance of power between the world's two leading powers.