Raffaello Pantucci, Senior Associate Fellow, Royal United Services Institute, and Alexandros Petersen, an academic, writer, and geopolitical energy specialist

Raffaello Pantucci is an internationally acclaimed foreign and security policy expert. He is a Senior Fellow at the S. Rajaratnam School of International Studies (RSIS) in Singapore and a Senior Associate Fellow at the Royal United Services Institute (RUSI) in London. He has worked at influential strategic studies think tanks in London, Washington, and Shanghai, providing advice to governments, international organizations, and companies alike. He is a regular contributor to the Financial Times, New York Times, and Foreign Policy.

Alexandros Petersen was an academic, writer, and geopolitical energy expert. He published three books and over 120 articles, reports, and chapters in books, and made more than 50 media appearances internationally. Petersen addressed the implications of the West withdrawing its engagement from the Caucasus and Central Asia, the expansion of Chinese influence, and Russia's strategic interests. He taught at the American Universities of Afghanistan and Central Asia, having lived and travelled extensively across Eurasia. He was killed in a Kabul restaurant bombing and shooting attack.

"Sinostan is the perfect place to start for anyone who wants to understand the transformative force that is shaping the future of Eurasia." - Andrew Small

"The book is informative, insightful and entertaining. Throughout, readers can appreciate the keen eye, sharp analytical mind and wit of the authors." - Nargis Kassenova, International Affairs

"A compelling geopolitical travelogue..." - Isabel Hilton, Financial Times

"[Sinostan] is an invaluable work on a relatively obscure region and is surprisingly vivid for an academically minded text, with much fascinating detail from the authors travels across the vast region." - Oliver Farry, Irish Times

"Sinostan delivers a... comprehensive evaluation of the extent of China's influence in Central Asia today." - Adeeb Khalid, Times Literary Supplement

"Offers illuminating and relevant insights into the Sino-Russian relationship... The unique blend of travelogue and geopolitics, which makes for an accessible read." - George Magnus, LSE Blogs

"... Sinostan should be on the reading list of any individual who is trying to understand the China-Russia relationship in these uncertain times.... a rich and thought-provoking work." - Hugh Jones, LSE Blog

"a lively narrative filled with real people and genuine human interest... a deeply researched book that makes for fascinating reading." - Valerie Hansen, Los Angeles Review of Books

"If you want to get your head around China's foreign policy priorities, you can do worse than dedicate a few quiet hours to Sinostan..." - David Dodwell, South China Morning Post

"... a timely and nuanced picture of China's aims and behavior in the region... Their approach presents what is actually happening in reality rather than the fevered dreams of some policymakers." - Joshua Huminski, Diplomatic Courier

"... an extensively researched telling of Beijings rising power in Central Asia, unvarnished by agenda or a desire to construct smooth grand narratives... the book lays out a convincing case for viewing China as a detached regional power. Central Asia may be the belt in the Belt and Road Initiative, but it is a loose fit." - Maximilian Hess, Eurasianet

"... a detailed picture of how China is operating outside its borders." - Mark Broatch, NZ Listener

"A sparkling, carefully observed account that offers an outstanding close-up view of a set of new worlds being formed out of sight of most commentators. Filled with insights and necessary reading for anyone interested in the rise of China, Central Asia and global geopolitics." - Peter Frankopan, University of Oxford, and author of The Silk Roads: The Extraordinary History that created your World

"A powerful book on a topic of huge importance." - Rana Mitter, Professor of the History and Politics of Modern China, University of Oxford