United States and China: A History from the Eighteenth Century to the Present

The United States and China offers a comprehensive synthesis of US-Chinese relations, covering centuries of interaction and examining state-to-state diplomacy, economic, social, military, religious, and cultural interplay. It is essential for understanding the past, present, and possible futures of the relationship as China grows in global importance.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 416 pages
Publication date: 28 July 2021
Publisher: Rowman & Littlefield

The United States and China offers a comprehensive synthesis of US-Chinese relations from initial contact to the present, spanning centuries of interaction between two of the world's great powers. Dong Wang retraces the history of this relationship from both sides, examining state-to-state diplomacy, economic, social, military, religious, and cultural interplay within varying national and international contexts. As China continues to grow in global importance, so too does the US-Chinese relationship, and this book provides an essential grounding for understanding its past, present, and possible futures.

The United States and China have a long and complex history that has shaped the world in many ways. From initial contact in the 1780s to the present day, the two countries have had a significant impact on each other's politics, economics, and culture. This book provides a comprehensive synthesis of US-Chinese relations, covering both the modern period (1784-1949) and the contemporary period (1949-present).

Dong Wang, a renowned scholar in the field of US-Chinese relations, retraces the history of this relationship from both sides. She examines state-to-state diplomacy, economic, social, military, religious, and cultural interplay within varying national and international contexts. Wang's book provides a valuable insight into the complex dynamics of the US-Chinese relationship and its impact on the world.

One of the key themes of the book is the changing nature of the US-Chinese relationship over time. In the modern period, the two countries were largely adversaries, with the United States seeking to contain China's growing influence in Asia and the Pacific. However, in the contemporary period, the two countries have become increasingly interdependent, with China becoming a major economic power and the United States seeking to maintain its global dominance.

Wang argues that the changing nature of the US-Chinese relationship has been driven by a variety of factors, including economic globalization, technological innovation, and political instability. She also highlights the role of cultural exchange and the impact of Chinese immigrants on the United States.

One of the most significant challenges facing the US-Chinese relationship in the future is the issue of trade. The two countries have been engaged in a long-standing trade dispute, with the United States accusing China of unfair trade practices and China accusing the United States of protectionism. Wang argues that the two countries need to find a way to resolve this dispute in a way that is mutually beneficial.

Another challenge facing the US-Chinese relationship is the issue of cybersecurity. The United States has accused China of engaging in cyber espionage and other cyberattacks against American companies and government agencies. China has denied these allegations, but the issue has become a major source of tension between the two countries.

Wang argues that the two countries need to work together to address these challenges. She suggests that the United States should focus on promoting economic growth and innovation in China, while China should focus on improving its cybersecurity practices.

In addition to these challenges, the US-Chinese relationship has also had a significant impact on the global economy. The two countries are the two largest economies in the world, and their economic policies have a significant impact on the rest of the world. Wang argues that the two countries need to work together to promote economic stability and growth.

One of the ways that the two countries can work together to promote economic stability and growth is through the development of the Belt and Road Initiative. The Belt and Road Initiative is a massive infrastructure project that aims to connect China with Europe, Africa, and the Middle East. Wang argues that the project has the potential to create millions of jobs and boost economic growth in the region.

However, the Belt and Road Initiative has also been criticized for its environmental impact and its potential to increase China's influence in the region. Wang argues that the two countries need to work together to address these concerns and ensure that the project is implemented in a sustainable and responsible manner.

In conclusion, The United States and China offers a comprehensive synthesis of US-Chinese relations from initial contact to the present. Dong Wang's book provides a valuable insight into the complex dynamics of the US-Chinese relationship and its impact on the world. The changing nature of the relationship has been driven by a variety of factors, including economic globalization, technological innovation, and political instability. The two countries need to work together to address these challenges and promote economic stability and growth. The Belt and Road Initiative has the potential to create millions of jobs and boost economic growth in the region, but it must be implemented in a sustainable and responsible manner.

Weight: 612g
Dimension: 152 x 228 x 28 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781538149386
Edition number: Second Edition