Description
Book SynopsisChina today bears little resemblance to the country introduced in the first edition of Understanding Contemporary
China, published nearly two decades ago. Even in just the past five years, dramatic changes have occurred under
the leadership of President Xi Jingping.
This new edition of the book reflects those changes, exploring the impact of new domestic policies; China’s role
as a behemoth in the world economy; its rapidly modernizing infrastructure; its expanding military presence in the
region; the environmental challenges it confronts; and much more. The result is an accessible, well-grounded look
at the most crucial issues affecting China today.
Trade Review Praise for the previous editions:
“Leading readers almost painlessly through an extensive tour of modern China’s events and issues, this anthology
is well planned and, with its extensive bibliographies at the end of each chapter, a useful guide to deeper study
as well as a rich resource for acquainting readers with China.... A well woven and brightly colored tapestry
creating a kaleidoscopic and vibrant picture of China.”—Mary Karen Solomon, Education About Asia
“A well-balanced overview.”—Future Survey
Table of ContentsIntroduction—R.E. Gamer. China: A Geographic Preface—S.W. Toops. The Historical Context—R.
Murphey. Chinese Politics—R.E. Gamer. China’s Economy—S.Y. Tong and J. Wong. China Beyond the
Heartland—L.T. White III and R.E. Gamer. International Relations—R.E. Gamer. Population Growth and
Urbanization—M. Rong. China’s Environmental Problems—R.L. Edmonds. Family, Kinship, Marriage, and
Sexuality—W. Jankawiak and X. Zang. Women and Development—L. Bossen. Religion—H. Chan and A.Y.C.
King. Literature and Popular Culture—C.A. Laughlin. Trends and Prospects—R.E. Gamer and L.T. White III.
