Understanding China

“A clearheaded, multidimensional tour of China’s political, economic, and social landscapes.” —Current History

“Packed with facts and figures, but enlivened with firsthand observations. . . . An excellent introduction to China for anyone in search of solid but concise information about that complicated country.” —The New York Times Book Review

For more than a decade, John Bryan Starr’s indispensable guide has introduced uninitiated readers to the background, basic data, and issues at stake in China’s crisis-ridden present and future. Now, in this thoroughly revised and expanded edition, Starr seamlessly weaves the salient events of the past ten years into the core narrative of the book. Exmaining the major new developments—among them the 2008 Olympics in Beijing, the Communist Party’s continuing efforts to curb the influence of the Internet, and the intensifying trade disputes with the United States—Starr shows how Deng Xiaoping’s successors have worked tirelessly to retain their hold on power in spite of a rapidly developing capitalist economy. Building on the strengths of the original version, the third edition of Understanding China continues to offer a smart, solid overview of Chinese history, society, culture, and politics.

“This succinct and easy-to-read title removes much of the puzzlement with which many Americans regard China and the Chinese. . . . A lucid examination of Chinese character, practices, and problems.” —School Library Journal

“Provides substantial coverage of the relationships between China’s history and the present-day system. . . . Invaluable for anyone about to engage in business in China.” —MultiCultural Review