{"product_id":"designing-boundaries-in-early-china","title":"Designing Boundaries in Early China","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cblockquote\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003eAncient Chinese walls, like the Great Wall of China, were not sovereign border lines but zonally exerted monarchical powers over an area based on administrative action. Garret Pagenstecher Olberding's book Designing Boundaries in Early China argues that sovereignty in early China was defined and regulated through the territorialization of space, affecting our understanding of the ancient world and modern nation-states. \u003c\/blockquote\u003e\u003cp\u003e\n                                                            \u003cstrong\u003eFormat\u003c\/strong\u003e: Hardback\u003cbr\u003e\n                              \u003cstrong\u003eLength\u003c\/strong\u003e: 300 pages\u003cbr\u003e\n                              \u003cstrong\u003ePublication date\u003c\/strong\u003e: 18 November 2021\u003cbr\u003e\n                              \u003cstrong\u003ePublisher\u003c\/strong\u003e: Cambridge University Press\u003cbr\u003e\n                          \u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cbr\u003eAncient Chinese walls, like the Great Wall of China, were not fixed or definitive border lines. Instead, sovereign power was exerted in a zonal manner, gradually expanding over an area based on the possibilities for administrative action. The dynamic and ritualized expression of early Chinese sovereignty had a significant impact on the spatial application of state force, including its cartographic representations. In his book Designing Boundaries in Early China, Garret Pagenstecher Olberding explores a diverse range of source materials to argue compellingly for how sovereign spaces were defined and governed in this ancient region. By examining the ways in which sovereignty extended itself across vast expanses in early China, Olberding sheds light on our understanding of the ancient world and the nature of modern nation-states.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThe book begins by examining the concept of territorialization, which refers to the process of defining and regulating spatial boundaries. Olberding argues that territorialization was a key aspect of early Chinese sovereignty and that it was shaped by a range of cultural, political, and economic factors. He explores the ways in which different social groups and individuals negotiated and contested the boundaries of their territories, and how these negotiations and contests shaped the development of the Chinese state.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eOne of the key themes of the book is the role of the emperor in defining and regulating sovereign spaces. Olberding argues that the emperor was not a mere figurehead but rather a powerful political actor who exercised control over a vast territory and its inhabitants. He explores the ways in which the emperor used administrative, military, and religious power to assert his authority and control over his subjects, and how these powers were expressed in the spatial organization of the empire.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eOlberding also examines the ways in which early Chinese sovereignty was expressed through the construction of walls and fortifications. He argues that these structures were not simply defensive measures but also symbols of the emperor's power and authority. He explores the different types of walls and fortifications built in early China, including the Great Wall of China, and the ways in which they were used to control trade, migration, and political power.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eIn addition to examining the spatial organization of early Chinese sovereignty, Olberding also considers the impact of territorialization on the development of modern nation-states. He argues that the concept of territorialization is still relevant today and that it can be used to understand the boundaries and divisions between different countries and regions. He also explores the ways in which modern nation-states have sought to assert their sovereignty over their territories, including through the use of military force and the establishment of international institutions.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eOverall, Designing Boundaries in Early China is a thought-provoking and insightful book that provides a new perspective on the history and development of early Chinese sovereignty. By examining the ways in which sovereignty was expressed and regulated in this ancient region, Olberding sheds light on the nature of modern nation-states and the complex processes that shape their boundaries and identities.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\n                            \u003cstrong\u003eWeight\u003c\/strong\u003e: 460g\n                            \u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDimension\u003c\/strong\u003e: 158 x 346 x 18 (mm)\n                            \u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eISBN-13\u003c\/strong\u003e: 9781316513699\n                            \n                          \u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Garret PagenstecherOlberding","offers":[{"title":"Hardback","offer_id":44095000281338,"sku":"9781316513699","price":74.26,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0522\/4297\/2845\/products\/04a8b4a9961254ee905c222551ee1ade.jpg?v=1640064844","url":"https:\/\/shulphink.com\/products\/designing-boundaries-in-early-china","provider":"Shulph Ink","version":"1.0","type":"link"}