Paul Monk Books

This book is several books in one. It consists of poems written for three different muses over a period of years. Each muse was radically different to the others. The result is a fascinating set of contrasts and illuminating comparisons. That is the meaning of the book's sub-title: companionship, discretion, passion. It is beautifully illustrated by Ingrida Rocis and includes a Preface explaining how the author became a poet and how this book came to be.

The book explores the shift in China's trajectory under Xi Jinping, contrasting the earlier optimism about its rise to global dominance with the current challenges it faces. Issues such as slowing economic growth, increasing debt, corruption, and demographic decline are highlighted. Additionally, it discusses Xi's departure from Deng Xiaoping's reforms and the militarization of China's foreign policy, suggesting that these factors could lead to significant geopolitical tensions. The central argument emphasizes the potential ramifications of these developments on China's future.