China's Good War: How World War II Is Shaping a New Nationalism

In recent years, China has undergone a significant reassessment of its history, particularly regarding its involvement in World War II. This reassessment has been driven by a desire to gain a stronger sense of national identity and confidence abroad, as well as to challenge the narrative that China was solely a victim of the war. Museums, television shows, magazines, and social media now present the war as a founding myth for an ascendant China that emerges as victor rather than victim.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 336 pages
Publication date: 11 October 2022
Publisher: Harvard University Press

A captivating and insightful work of intellectual history, "China's War Against Japan" has been recognized with prestigious awards such as the Foreign Affairs Book of the Year and the Spectator Book of the Year. This timely exploration delves into the profound impact of memories and ideas about the Second World War on contemporary China's conceptualizations of the past and present.

For much of its history, China enforced a strict taboo on public discourse regarding the war against Japan. However, as China's power and influence have expanded, a comprehensive reassessment of the war years has become a central aspect of its foreign policy and domestic nationalism. This shift has been propelled by reforms initiated under Deng Xiaoping, which encouraged Chinese scholars to delve into the previously taboo Guomindang war effort and investigate collaboration with the Japanese.

Today, a wide range of media outlets, including museums, television shows, magazines, and social media, present the war as a foundational myth for an ascendant China that emerges as a victor rather than a victim. One narrative portrays Beijing as the creator and protector of the international order, a virtuous system that many in China now believe to be under threat from the United States. This reimagining of China's past serves as a new founding myth for a nation that aspires to shape the world's destiny.

"China's War Against Japan" offers a detailed and fascinating account of how Chinese leadership strategies have evolved across different eras. At its most compelling, the book delves into Beijing's motives for undertaking such an ambitious retooling of its past. Author Mitter marshals an impressive array of evidence to support his argument about war, memory, and the international order. His original perspective and innovative analysis make this work a valuable contribution to the field of history and international relations.

In conclusion, "China's War Against Japan" is a must-read for anyone interested in understanding the complex interplay between history, memory, and contemporary politics in China. This insightful work provides valuable insights into the country's evolving foreign policy and its aspirations to shape the global order.

Weight: 310g
Dimension: 140 x 210 x 30 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780674278615