ABSTRACT

Contemporary China: A New Superpower? is a unique textbook introducing the complexity and diversity of China’s society, politics, economics, and international affairs, and the multiple ways in which their dynamics corroborate to simultaneously construct and challenge perceptions of China.

Structured thematically in three sections – History, Society and Culture; Politics and Economy; and International Relations – this textbook provides answers to one of the most frequently asked general questions in relation to China. Will it become a new superpower and equal the international power and influence of the United States? Chapters written by some of the most recognized commentators and researchers of China cover a broad range of topics and offer an in-depth analysis of issues in contemporary China, such as the impact of the Tiananmen 1989 events, the economic development of the country, the environmental and demographic crises, social control and propaganda, and the role of China in the region and the world.

Introducing students comprehensively to the domestic context and international affairs of China, the book will be particularly useful for undergraduate-level courses in Asian Studies and courses on the history, politics, and international affairs of China and Chinese Studies.

chapter |12 pages

Introduction

A new superpower?

part I|58 pages

History, society, and culture

chapter 1|14 pages

Historical legacy

A humiliated 5000-year-old civilization?

chapter 2|11 pages

Mao Zedong

Why does the revolutionary leader “live forever”?

chapter 3|7 pages

Tiananmen 1989

How did the massacre change China?

chapter 4|11 pages

Religion, traditions, and values

What do the Chinese believe in?

chapter 5|13 pages

Living standards and social issues

What is it like to live in China?

part 2|120 pages

Politics and economy

chapter 6|16 pages

China's political system

How does the Communist Party rule China?

chapter 7|10 pages

Chinese economic miracle

How did an underdeveloped country change into a world leader?

chapter 8|15 pages

Social control and propaganda

What is “social credit” and how has China handled COVID-19?

chapter 9|14 pages

Rule by law

Is there justice in China?

chapter 10|8 pages

Technological power

Can China innovate?

chapter 11|11 pages

Environment

Does China care about it?

chapter 12|9 pages

Xinjiang

Why has China imprisoned more than a million Uyghurs in re-education camps?

chapter 13|10 pages

Tibet

Why is the mysterious “snowy kingdom” part of China today? 1

chapter 14|11 pages

Hong Kong

How did the “pearl of the Orient” become a city of protests?

chapter 15|14 pages

Taiwan

Why does China consider it its own and what does it mean for Taiwan?

part III|72 pages

International relations

chapter 16|12 pages

China in the world

A New Silk Road to world dominance?

chapter 17|13 pages

China in its immediate neighborhood

A benevolent power or a hegemon? 1

chapter 18|9 pages

Territorial disputes

Will China go to war?

chapter 19|13 pages

Relations with the United States

Are the two great powers headed for a collision?

chapter 20|12 pages

Relations with Europe and Russia

Partners or competitors?

chapter 21|11 pages

China's relations with the Global South

On the rise or past their peak?