Breakneck: China’s Quest to Engineer the Future explores China’s transformation into an “engineering state” driven by grand projects, rapid innovation, and tight social control. Unlike the procedural, debate-heavy approach of the United States, China pushes ahead with remarkable speed, building high-speed rail networks and sprawling cities. Yet this efficiency comes at a human cost, seen in Beijing’s rigid urban design, the one-child policy, and strict zero-Covid lockdowns. The book credits China’s rise to its vibrant engineering communities and focus on process over profit but warns that deep-rooted distrust and overcentralization could curb its global cultural and creative potential.