Restless Empire: China and the World Since 1750

China's Restless Empire: A History of the World's Most Important State Since 1750 Over the past 250 years, China has undergone a profound transformation, marked by moments of dramatic upheaval and significant change. This book explores China's evolution from the Qing Dynasty to the present day, examining how the country's worldview has been shaped by its interactions with the outside world. As China continues to grow in economic and technological influence, its foreign relations agenda is becoming increasingly complex. The country's preoccupations and priorities are driven by a mix of receptiveness and resistance to outside influence, and its neighbours are watching with concern as China's military might and technological prowess expand. Meanwhile, within two decades, China is likely to surpass the United States as the world's largest economy, and its population of over 1.5 billion is expected to eradicate poverty. A new form of Chinese nationalism is rising, driven by concerns about perceived past injustices and the fear of losing identity to commercial forces and foreign influences. As China's international role continues to evolve, it is unclear whether it will pursue a more harmonious diplomatic route or attempt to recreate a Sino-centric international order in Eastern Asia. This book provides a magisterial and indispensable history of China's international history, essential reading for anyone seeking to understand the complexities of the world's most important state.