On China

Henry Kissinger

Overview: Dr. Henry Kissinger, well known for his work during the Nixon era to open dialogue with China, describes the evolution of modern China in the context of its deeply rooted rich cultural history and ever-adapting international affairs. He begins with a thorough history of Chinese diplomacy spanning the past two millennia, and relates these ideas to more recent events to shed light on the cultural context in which international decisions are made. In observation of the significant impact Mao Zedong had in shaping China’s national identity, Kissinger devotes 230 pages detailing Mao’s philosophies and the events occurring under his leadership. Finally, he focuses on the recent political, economic, and technological advances China has made and its role in the world order. He concludes with a cautiously optimistic discussion of how the PRC might peacefully rise to fulfill the role of a global power.