China is rightly considered an emerging power in world affairs as Chinese leaders, backed by growing economic and military strength, engage in innovative diplomatic approaches that pave the way for China's international role. But this is only part of the story of China’s rise. As Robert G. Sutter shows in this meticulous and balanced assessment, the record of twists and turns in Chinese foreign relations since the end of the Cold War highlights a very different perspective. Domestic problems, nationalism, and security concerns continue to preoccupy Beijing, complicating China's influence and innovations in foreign affairs. On the international front, the actions of other powerful nations and growing dependence on the world economy complicate as well as enhance China’s advance to international prominence. Newly revised, this edition features more extensive treatment of China’s role in the international economy and greater discussion of its relations with the developing world.Providing a comprehensive introduction to Chinese foreign relations, Sutter shows Chinese leaders exerting growing influence in world affairs but remaining far from dominant. Facing numerous contradictions and trade-offs, they move cautiously to avoid major confrontations, costly commitments, or mistakes that could undermine their one-party rule as they deal with an international environment posing numerous challenges as well as opportunities for Chinese interests.

China is rightly considered an emerging power in world affairs as Chinese leaders, backed by growing economic and military strength, engage in innovative diplomatic approaches that pave the way for China's international role. But this is only part of the story of China’s rise. As Robert G. Sutter shows in this meticulous and balanced assessment, the record of twists and turns in Chinese foreign relations since the end of the Cold War highlights a very different perspective. Domestic problems, nationalism, and security concerns continue to preoccupy Beijing, complicating China's influence and innovations in foreign affairs. On the international front, the actions of other powerful nations and growing dependence on the world economy complicate as well as enhance China’s advance to international prominence. Newly revised, this edition features more extensive treatment of China’s role in the international economy and greater discussion of its relations with the developing world.Providing a comprehensive introduction to Chinese foreign relations, Sutter shows Chinese leaders exerting growing influence in world affairs but remaining far from dominant. Facing numerous contradictions and trade-offs, they move cautiously to avoid major confrontations, costly commitments, or mistakes that could undermine their one-party rule as they deal with an international environment posing numerous challenges as well as opportunities for Chinese interests.

Product Description: This lucid assessment of the historical and contemporary determinants of Sino-American relations, now comprehensively updated, explains the conflicted engagement between the two governments. Offering a welcome richness of discussion and analysis, distinguished analyst Robert G...read more

This cogent but comprehensive book examines the international relations of the People's Republic of China since its founding in 1949. Noted scholar Robert G. Sutter provides a balanced assessment of the country's recent successes and advances as well as the important legacies and constraints that hamper it, especially in nearby Asia-long the focus of China's foreign policy attention. Advances the P.R.C. has made in other parts of the world focus mainly on commercial interests, limiting its actual impact on world affairs. Sutter shows readers how to use China's rise in nearby Asia as a reliable barometer of how important and effective it actually will become internationally.

This thoughtful and deeply informed book assesses the background, status, and outlook of U.S. relations with the Asia-Pacific. Noted expert Robert G. Sutter takes issue with the "declinist" school of thought that he sees as overstating U.S. weaknesses while at the same time underplaying its strengths in the region. He provides a balanced inventory of the major strengths and weaknesses in American relations with Asia and weighs the significant points of agreement and disagreement between the United States and the governments and peoples of the region at the end of the George W. Bush administration. Sutter carefully considers widely held views of the United States in decline, with its leadership role in regional affairs threatened by a range of political, economic, and security problems. The author finds that recent U.S. difficulties have not fundamentally undermined the main foundations of the leadership, power, and influence that America has exerted in the region for many years. Instead, he convincingly argues for U.S. policy options that will help to remedy prevailing difficulties while sustaining U.S. interests and leading role in Asian and Pacific affairs.Click here to access the United States in Asia chronology.

China's rapid military and economic growth has fuelled a steady stream of analysis and debate about the PRC's motivations and objectives regarding the United States. Yet until now, there has not been a sustained, single-authored assessment in English of China's expanding influence in Asia in the post-Cold War period. Respected analyst Robert G. Sutter draws on his extensive experience in the region to explore the current debate on China's rise and its meaning for U.S. interests by examining in detail China's current and historical relations with the key countries of Asia. He finds a range of motivations underlying China's recent initiatives. Some incline Chinese policy to be cooperative with the United States, others to be competitive and confrontational. Sutter's nuanced study shows that U.S. power and influence continue to dominate Asia and play a critical role in determining China's cooperative or confrontational approach. He argues that the Bush administration's policies of firmness and cooperation have encouraged China to stay on a generally constructive track in the region.

Product Description: This authoritative and comprehensive assessment of U.S. relations with East Asia offers a cogent analysis of the issues affecting the region, as well as domestic determinants of American policy. Sutter argues that how well or poorly U...read more (view table of contents, read Amazon.com's description)

Product Description: This book considers Chinese foreign policy and China's future role in world affairs in the context of the country's recent past. Robert Sutter shows that although it appears to be in U.S. interests for post-Mao leaders to continue moving toward international norms, a post-Deng leadership backed by growing economic and military power and reflecting profound changes in China's economy and society could move in markedly different directions...read more

Product Description: An examination of the origins and implications of Taiwan's global role and the ramifications of its growing strength for such policy issues as China's reunification and US policy in East Asia.

Product Description: As the cold war ends, the United States is being forced to reassess the dominant role it has played in East and Southeast Asia and the Pacific during the decades that followed World War II. Bringing readers up to date on policy trends in the area, the author provides a general overview as well as detailed analyses of key issues in individual nations and regions...read more