Restless Empire

Mehr zum Buch

Over the past 250 years, China has demonstrated itself as a Restless Empire, navigating significant change from the Qing Dynasty to the People's Republic. This work explores the evolution of China's worldview, shaped by its dual tendencies of receptiveness and resistance to external influences. As China is poised to become the world's largest economy within two decades, it anticipates eradicating poverty among its vast population and emerging as a technological leader. However, concerns linger, particularly among neighboring countries, about the potential for China to enhance its military power to assert dominance. A new wave of Chinese nationalism is emerging, fueled by grievances over historical injustices and fears of losing cultural identity to globalization. This raises critical questions: Will China's engagement with the global community diminish, or will it persist? Will it seek to establish a Sino-centric order in Eastern Asia or adopt a more cooperative diplomatic approach? Can it address its democratic deficits, or are these traits ingrained in its political fabric? Understanding China's international history is crucial, as it remains a pivotal player in global affairs today. This comprehensive history is essential for grasping the complexities of modern China.