ZHOU ENLAI: A Life.

The main focus of the article is a review of two recent books: a comprehensive biography of Zhou Enlai and a collection of essays on strategic imagination in honor of Brendan Sargeant. The biography of Zhou Enlai, premier of the People’s Republic of China from 1949 to 1976, details his pivotal role in the survival and development of the Chinese Communist Party, his complex relationship with Mao Zedong, and his significant contributions to Chinese diplomacy and domestic policy. The second book honors Brendan Sargeant, a leading Australian defence official and scholar, through essays exploring his concept of strategic imagination—the ability to envision alternative futures—and its relevance to Australia’s strategic challenges amid tensions between its imperial past and national identity. Both works provide valuable insights into political leadership and strategic thinking in their respective contexts.