Mobilizing the Past : The Lessons of History and the Danger of War Between China and the United States.

Format:

Book

Author/Creator:

Chan, Steve.

Language:

English

Subjects (All):

World politics--Historiography.

World politics.

War--Historiography.

War.

United States--Foreign relations--China.

United States.

China--Foreign relations--United States.

China.

United States--Foreign relations--21st century.

China--Foreign relations--21st century.

Physical Description:

1 online resource (274 pages)

Edition:

1st ed.

Place of Publication:

Redwood City : Stanford University Press, 2025.

Summary:

"Historical analogies are often utilized to frame and formulate foreign policies, illuminate issues of war and peace, and mobilize support for particular political programs. The historical record, however, can be distorted in a variety of ways, leading to overly simplistic, misleading conclusions that impair sound policy and scholarship. This danger is most imminent and palpable when there exists premature academic consensus, pressure to conform to political orthodoxy, intellectual complacency, and cognitive resistance to alternate interpretations of historical episodes. We must be especially vigilant to guard against these pitfalls when deliberating one of the most high-stakes topics in global politics: the alarming potential for military conflict between the United States and China. Past precedents and parallels regularly inform analyses of China's relations with the US. By highlighting serious errors of commission or omission in popular narratives and scholarly studies concerning international relations in general and Sino-American relations in particular, Steve Chan challenges commonly accepted "lessons of history" and cautions against the misuse and misunderstanding of the past in examining China's rise and its implications for international peace and stability. This far-reaching book presents alternative, overlooked historical accounts that are highly pertinent to Sino-American relations today, making it essential for researchers and students of international affairs"-- Provided by publisher.

Contents:

Front Cover

Half title

Title Page

Copyright

Contents

Introduction

One: The Origin of the Peloponnesian War

Two: The Causes of the Two World Wars

Three: The Lesson of Munich, US Intervention in Korea, and Japan's Attack on Pearl Harbor

Four: The Reasons for the Peaceful Anglo-American Power Transition

Five: The Parallels between the Cuban Missile Crisis and Contest over Taiwan

Six: The Falklands/Malvinas Conflict and Lessons for Taiwan

Seven: Ukraine Today, Taiwan Tomorrow?

Eight: The Suez Crisis, Mayaguez Affair, and Other Historical Legacies

Nine: Discourse on China's Rise and the Problem with Selective History

Conclusion

Acknowledgments

References

Index

Back Cover.

Notes:

Description based on publisher supplied metadata and other sources.

ISBN:

1-5036-4379-4

OCLC:

1523376067