Global China - (Bristol Studies in East Asian International Relations) by Tim Summers (Hardcover)

Book Synopsis

This insightful book explores evolving perceptions of China, contrasting dominant Western narratives with Chinese perspectives. Highlighting the complexities of these discourses, the book critiques three prevailing views of China's rise: the return of geopolitics, challenges to liberal order and prospects for collaborative governance.

Bridging China Studies, International Relations and Global Political Economy, the book examines the politics of knowledge production to present a nuanced understanding of China. It argues for viewing China as a distinctive yet interconnected global power whose development reflects a dialectical relationship with existing global systems. It is essential reading for understanding China's role in today's shifting global political landscape.

Review Quotes

'China as a risen global power has been the subject of debates among policy and academic pundits. This book offers the most systematic synthesis and critique so far of the contested narratives about China's rise and its global implications. It seeks to make sense of "the ways that China is debated, described, and understood now that it has become a global power." A particular strength of the book concerns its attempts to bring in the Chinese voices to balance the Western perspectives, especially those of the Anglophone West. The book hence represents a must-read for those who want to understand the rise of China as a global power and what it means for the world.' Zhang Baohui, Lingnan University

'China does not seek global domination, contra what some Western analysts assert. But neither does it pursue globally collaborative governance in ways that fundamentally differ from Western approaches. Drawing on extensive scholarly research as well as his experience serving as a diplomat, Professor Summers critiques the dominant narratives in both the West and China that try to make sense of China's rapid rise as a major global power and persuasively argues that China needs to be understood in its own terms as a distinctive entity embedded in an ever-changing global order. A must read for China watchers.' Daniel Bell, The University of Hong Kong

'Tim Summers' Global China is a thoughtful and timely analysis that moves beyond simplistic East vs. West dichotomies to explore how China's rise is understood - and misunderstood - through competing narratives. Drawing from China Studies, International Relations, and critical geopolitics, Summers offers a nuanced, interdisciplinary critique of dominant framings, from 'geopolitical threat' to 'collaborative governance.' Grounded in both rigorous scholarship and lived experience in Hong Kong and mainland China, the book challenges assumptions on all sides. A must-read for anyone seeking to better grasp the complex and contested realities of China's global role in the 21st century.' Christine Loh, The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology

'Summers eschews black and white and often dichotomised views of China as a global power to provide a thorough and nuanced analysis of the different understandings of what China has become, and what it will be in the future.' Shaun Breslin, University of Warwick

About the Author

Tim Summers is an Assistant Professor at the Centre for China Studies at the Chinese University of Hong Kong.