Restless Empire

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As the twenty-first century begins, China finds itself at a pivotal moment. As the world's most populous country and the second-largest economy, it has recently reclaimed its historical role in global affairs after a long period of turmoil and poor foreign relations. However, the contradictions in its development threaten to push it back into isolation and instability, a regression that could have significant repercussions for other nations. Award-winning historian Odd Arne Westad examines China's intricate foreign relations over the past 250 years, highlighting the forces that will shape its future. Since the Qing Empire's zenith in the eighteenth century, China's interactions with foreign powers have fluctuated between dominance and subjugation, leading to a persistent sense of humiliation and resentment among its people. Key historical events, from the invasion of Burma in the 1760s to the Boxer Rebellion and the 2001 standoff over a downed U.S. spy plane, have fueled its notions of justice and hierarchy. While China's rising global influence suggests potential benefits from international cooperation, Westad argues that its success will depend on balancing engagement with foreign partners and maintaining its own strength and stability. This comprehensive study is essential for understanding China's recent past and its complex future.