ROADS TO CHINESE MODERNITY

What is China? While many perceive it as a rising power challenging Western dominance, eminent historian Professor Gungwu Wang posits that the country has no ambitions on that front. In this illuminating book comprised of edited transcripts of selected lectures, it offers his interpretation of the answer. He traces China's roots as an ancient, borderless Sinic civilisation with a distinctive past that has been a source of strength. Following the establishment of the concept of a nation-state in the late 18th century, its identity was eventually forced to change from dynastic rule to a republic. Revolution and reform characterised much of the evolution, compelling it to define a national culture that would propel it down the road of progress and enable it to take its rightful place on the world stage. Interspersed with observations from his position as an overseas Chinese, this collection of insights is a must-read for anyone keen to understand China better.

Contents:

• Introduction
• What is China?:
  • The Study of China: One Subject, Many Paths
  • Borderless Civilisations: Lessons from History
  • China's Continental Civilisation
  • Rebalancing China's World
  • Quest for a New Cultural Identity
  • China's Reforms: Whose Way is Best?
  • Modernising China: Revolution and Reform
  • From Wen to Shi: China's Road
• Modernising as a Nation:
  • Dealing with Eurasia
  • The Struggle to be Modern
  • Prepared for Change
  • US-China: Two Systems
• External Chinese:
  • Studying the Chinese Overseas
  • What Does It Mean to be Ethnically Chinese in Singapore?
  • Chinese Identity and Loyalty in Singapore
  • Personal Perspectives of Singapore
  • Coming to Terms with My Identities
• Endnotes

Readership: Academics & Students — Scholars, researchers, and university students in history, political science, international relations, and Chinese studies; Policymakers & Analysts — Government officials, think tank researchers, and policy analysts interested in China's historical evolution and global role; General Readers & China Enthusiasts — Readers with an interest in Chinese history, culture, and global affairs.