What Does China Think?

Mark Leonard

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An invigorating book about the debates raging within China. We all know about the fast pace of change in this country. This book brings us the ideas being fought over in the country itself – from democracy to the idea of a ‘peaceful rise’. It challenges all of our assumptions about China.

We know everything and nothing about China. We know that China is changing so fast that the maps in Shanghai need to be rewritten every two weeks. We know that China has brought 300 million people from agricultural backwardness into modernity in just 30 years (something that took 200 years in Europe). China’s voracious appetite for resources is gobbling up 40% of the world’s cement., 40% of its coal, 30% of its steel, and 12% of its energy. It has become so integrated into the global economy that its prospects have immediate effects on our everyday lives: simultaneously doubling the cost of the London Olympics while halving the cost of our computers; keeping the US economy afloat but sinking the Italian footwear industry. We have an image of China as a dictatorship; a nationalist empire that threatens its neighbours and global peace.

But how many people know about the debates raging within China? What do we really know about the kind of society China wants to become? What ideas are motivating its citizens? We can name America’s Neo-Cons and the religious right, but cannot name Chinese writers, thinkers or journalists – what is the future they dream of for their country, or the world it is shaping? Because China’s rise – like the fall of Rome or the British Raj – will echo down generations to come, these are the questions we increasingly need to ask. Mark Leonard asks us to forget everything we thought we knew about China and start again. He introduces us to the thinkers that are shaping China’s wide open future and opens up a hidden world of intellectual debate that is driving a new Chinese revolution and changing the face of the world.

What will you learn from this book

  1. China's Evolving Role: The book may explore how China perceives its role in the global order, including its aspirations, responsibilities, and expectations.

  2. Chinese Foreign Policy: Insights into China's foreign policy priorities and strategies, examining its approach to diplomacy, trade, and engagement with other nations.

  3. Economic Ambitions: The book might delve into China's economic goals, trade policies, and its vision for economic development on the global stage.

  4. Cultural and Soft Power: An exploration of China's cultural diplomacy and efforts to enhance its soft power, including the promotion of its language, arts, and cultural values.

  5. Regional Dynamics: China's perspectives on regional issues, security concerns, and its relationships with neighboring countries may be discussed.

  6. Global Governance: The book may touch on China's views on international institutions, global governance structures, and its role in shaping international norms.

  7. Technology and Innovation: China's ambitions and approaches in the fields of technology, innovation, and cybersecurity might be explored, including its global impact on these areas.

  8. Climate Change and Environmental Policy: Insights into China's stance on climate change, environmental sustainability, and its role in global efforts to address these challenges.

  9. Nationalism and Identity: Exploration of how nationalism and Chinese national identity influence the country's foreign policy and interactions with the international community.

  10. Global Challenges: The book may examine how China perceives and responds to global challenges such as pandemics, terrorism, and other transnational issues.

Language English
ISBN-10 9780007230686
No of pages 164
Font Size Medium
Book Publisher Fourth Estate
Published Date 18 Feb 2008

About Author

Author : Mark Leonard

2 Books

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