The Thunder from the Silent Zone

Challenging conventional wisdom about China and its relationship to the rest of the world, this study offers a sophisticated critique of Samuel Huntington's influential "clash of civilizations" hypothesis. Arguing that China shows a significant capacity for economic and social change, as well as a growing tolerance for dissent, the book urges Westerners to stop thinking of this emerging superpower as an isolated and repressive giant and to encourage greater openness. Offering a radical rethinking of China's international role, including independence for Taiwan, the book discusses many aspects of everyday Chinese life, including politics, economics, literature, music, and film.