China and Central Europe: much ado about nothing?: Gabriela Pleschová: China in Central Europe: seeking allies, creating tensions. Cheltenham, UK: Edward Elgar Publishing, 2022, 168 pp. ISBN: 978-1-80037-184-2.

"China in Central Europe: seeking allies, creating tensions" by Gabriela Pleschová provides a comprehensive analysis of the evolving relationship between Central European countries and China in the twenty-first century. The book examines China's soft power efforts, as well as the specific responses of countries such as Hungary, Poland, the Czech Republic, and Slovakia. Pleschová emphasizes the need to theorize these ties and adjust conceptual frameworks to each country's unique circumstances. While the book highlights China's failures in the region, it also acknowledges the influence of global dynamics and the constraints on China's ability to shape relations with Central European countries. Overall, the book offers valuable insights into China's efforts to influence international politics in Central Europe. [Extracted from the article]