Jullien (Chinese studies, U. of Paris VII) analyzes Western and Chinese concepts of efficacy to account for diverging patterns of action in warfare, diplomacy, and politics. Where the Western model seeks to attain a goal through specific actions, the Chinese tend to seek transformation through manipulation instead of acting directly. Jullien interprets a number of texts to show how the two strategies work in a number of domains, and analyzes two resulting acts of war. Originally published in French in 1996. Annotation ©2004 Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)