This author focuses on modern Chinese politics and foreign relations, delving deeply into the country's political and social transformations. Their work often examines pivotal historical moments and the complex dynamics shaping China's trajectory. Drawing on extensive experience living and lecturing throughout China and Asia, they offer an authentic perspective and nuanced analysis. Their writings are valued for their scholarly rigor and insightful commentary on East Asian affairs.
Reflects on forty years of learning about and interacting with the People's Republic of China, from the height of Maoism during the author's UC Berkeley student days in the volatile 1960s through globalization.
Chinese Politics in the Age of Deng Xiaoping - Updated Edition
The book delves into the intense political struggle in China following Mao Zedong's death, highlighting the clash between orthodox Marxists and reform-minded leaders. It chronicles the pivotal role of Deng Xiaoping in supporting the reformers, who ultimately triumphed but at significant costs. Richard Baum offers a detailed exploration of the generational conflict, contrasting the ideals of aging revolutionaries with the pragmatism of their successors. The narrative provides a nuanced analysis of the reform process and its complexities in shaping modern China.