Sign in with FacebookZohar - ManOfLaBook.com's Reviews > On China
On China
by Henry Kissinger
by Henry Kissinger
“On China” by Dr. Henry Kissinger is a non-fiction book in which the famous statesman recounts and advises on the future of Chinese diplomacy with the west.
Dr. Henry Kissinger writes at length about the country he has known for decades. Recounting Chinese history and culture, Kissinger examines how China sees itself and the outside world.
Dr. Kissinger examines key episodes in Chinese foreign policy, from hundreds of years ago to current events with emphasis on the rise of Mao Zedong.
One of the things which always fascinates me when it comes to political books is how decisions are made behind closed doors, the diplomacy, arm twisting and walking on tight wires which are the bane of foreign policy makes around the world. In his book “On China”, Dr. Kissinger explains some of this process which I find so fascinating.
The book, which draws extensively from Dr. Kissinger’s personal experience, starts with an introduction to ancient Chinese culture and foreign policy. Chinese culture has a lot of bearing on the Chinese diplomats’ way of thinking and statecraft. As Dr. Kissinger found out, that was the key to understanding and negotiating with the Chinese.
I enjoyed reading this book and getting, what seems to me, insightful and insider’s information. However, this is one tough book to read. Lots of information is thrown the reader’s way, many nuances and names are being recalled, all the while referencing thousands of years of Chinese history which culminates at the negotiations table.
Dr. Kissinger writes about the Chinese institutions and the thinking of Chinese diplomats when creating policy from earlier encounters with European powers, the rise of communism in the Soviet Union and to the breakdown of that alliance. Mr. Kissinger manages to tackle sensitive subject like the Korean War and the Tiananmen Square crackdown through elegant writing explaining US-Chino relations. As an added bonus, Dr. Kissinger analyzes Mao Zedong and Deng Xiaoping, two of the People’s Republic most engaging figures and compares their vision for China’s future.
The book follows the diplomacy trials, errors and success while breaking many myths which until now only privileged diplomats were aware of. A fascinating book which I felt privileged to read.
For more book reviews and bookish posts please visit: http://www.ManOfLaBook.com
Dr. Henry Kissinger writes at length about the country he has known for decades. Recounting Chinese history and culture, Kissinger examines how China sees itself and the outside world.
Dr. Kissinger examines key episodes in Chinese foreign policy, from hundreds of years ago to current events with emphasis on the rise of Mao Zedong.
One of the things which always fascinates me when it comes to political books is how decisions are made behind closed doors, the diplomacy, arm twisting and walking on tight wires which are the bane of foreign policy makes around the world. In his book “On China”, Dr. Kissinger explains some of this process which I find so fascinating.
The book, which draws extensively from Dr. Kissinger’s personal experience, starts with an introduction to ancient Chinese culture and foreign policy. Chinese culture has a lot of bearing on the Chinese diplomats’ way of thinking and statecraft. As Dr. Kissinger found out, that was the key to understanding and negotiating with the Chinese.
I enjoyed reading this book and getting, what seems to me, insightful and insider’s information. However, this is one tough book to read. Lots of information is thrown the reader’s way, many nuances and names are being recalled, all the while referencing thousands of years of Chinese history which culminates at the negotiations table.
Dr. Kissinger writes about the Chinese institutions and the thinking of Chinese diplomats when creating policy from earlier encounters with European powers, the rise of communism in the Soviet Union and to the breakdown of that alliance. Mr. Kissinger manages to tackle sensitive subject like the Korean War and the Tiananmen Square crackdown through elegant writing explaining US-Chino relations. As an added bonus, Dr. Kissinger analyzes Mao Zedong and Deng Xiaoping, two of the People’s Republic most engaging figures and compares their vision for China’s future.
The book follows the diplomacy trials, errors and success while breaking many myths which until now only privileged diplomats were aware of. A fascinating book which I felt privileged to read.
For more book reviews and bookish posts please visit: http://www.ManOfLaBook.com
Sign into Goodreads to see if any of your friends have read On China.
sign in »
Comments (showing 1-1 of 1) (1 new)
date
newest »
newest »
message 1:
by
Carol
(new)
May 15, 2011 08:03am
I enjoyed your review. Think that all of Chinese history and culture has to been taken considered when trying to negotiate. Of course there is so much history!!
reply
|
flag
*
