Cultural Pragmatism for US-China Relations: Breaking the Gridlock and Co-creating Our Future

Phua examines US-China relations, highlighting the importance of understanding each country's cultural tendencies towards pragmatism. He offers an inside-out cultural synthesis of classical and modern Chinese thought to provide a culturally-Chinese, western-educated, and politically neutral understanding of China.

Format: Hardback
Length: 154 pages
Publication date: 25 October 2022
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd

The Thucydides trap and a US-China face-off are not inherently inevitable; rather, the dynamics of US-China relations are shaped by the decisions and actions of both the United States and China. In his book, "The Thucydides Trap: China, the United States, and the Future of World Order," Singapore-based scholar and commentator Kuo-Chuang Phua delves into the critical factors that influence the complex relationship between these two nations.

Phua emphasizes the importance of recognizing the distinct identities of the United States and China, viewing them as separate entities with their own unique cultural tendencies. By promoting a nuanced understanding of each country, Phua aims to trigger their cultural predispositions toward pragmatism, which can serve as a foundation for constructive engagement and cooperation.

Throughout his book, Phua examines China's challenging journey to integrate into the Westphalian system, the profound cultural misunderstandings perpetuated by the West towards Sunzi's "The Art of War," and the ongoing efforts to bridge the gap between classical and modern Chinese thought. He offers an insightful cultural synthesis of these two philosophical traditions, aiming to provide a deeper understanding of China's operational code beyond the conventional clichés associated with Confucian and Daoist thought.

Drawing upon the insights of scholars such as John Jervis and Alastair Johnston, Phua incorporates cultural realism into his analysis. He aims to provide readers with a culturally-Chinese, Western-educated, and politically neutral perspective on China, offering a comprehensive and nuanced understanding of the country's history, politics, and society.

"The Thucydides Trap: China, the United States, and the Future of World Order" is an essential primer for academics, practitioners, and students of international relations, diplomacy, and Chinese culture. It provides a comprehensive and insightful analysis of the complex dynamics shaping US-China relations, offering valuable insights and perspectives that can contribute to a more informed and constructive engagement between these two nations.

Weight: 490g
Dimension: 234 x 156 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781032279565