China Inside and Out

At this moment, Americans regard China as a major threat, both economically and strategically, while Chinese regard the US as determined to contain China and impede its development. Tensions between the two countries remain high: human rights, trade, Taiwan, the South China Sea, military budgets. Yet in spite of all these points of contention, the search for common ground through diplomatic engagement goes on as both countries’ leaders recognize that constant friction can have calamitous consequences. This text serves as a brief, engaging set of essays to bring students of international affairs up to speed on what is happening inside China and in China’s international relations. The readings reflect objective assessments of important developments in Chinese politics and society, notions of national security, and the link in Chinese thinking between security and economic development. Primary source documents at the end of each chapter provide students real-world policy context.

Mel Gurtov is Professor Emeritus of Political Science at Portland State University. He previously was on the staff of the RAND Corporation, where he was an author of the Pentagon Papers, and then began his teaching career at the University of California, Riverside. He has written 30 books on China, US foreign policy, and international affairs, most recently America in Retreat: Foreign Policy under Donald Trump and Engaging Adversaries: Peacemaking and Diplomacy in the Human Interest, both published by Rowman & Littlefield. Dr. Gurtov is a former Senior Fulbright Scholar and is Senior Editor of Asian Perspective, which he served as Editor-in-Chief for over 20 years.