In this book, Ma and Kang build on their 2017 paper on the likelihood of a conflict between a rising China and the United States as hegemon. Kang and Ma ultimately argue that the power transition theory which informs this argument is based on a European history and experience and not that of East Asia and China. Delving into East Asian history, Ma and Kang reveal that for historical East Asia, common conjecture and shared understandings shaped war and peace in the region, and internal challenges rather than external threats and conquest were the reasons for the dynastic transitions. They conclude that these 2 key factors hold lessons for understanding contemporary China and the future of US-China relations.
This is a thought-provoking book for scholars of East Asia and China-US relations as it presents a new, fresh perspective on US-China relations that counters the dominant view of China as a threat to the US based global order. Based on the lessons above, it offers a new perspective on contemporary China's primary concerns as a regional and global actor, suggesting that China may be more focused on its internal challenges than overtaking the US in the global order. This argument counters the dominant, US informed and championed narrative of a rising China bent on toppling and replacing the US as the global hegemon.
For me, as an international relations scholar, this book is interesting in how it lays out a pretty convincing and well researched argument on how East Asian history can help understand current US-China relations. This is an interesting text when considering Kuan-Hsing Chen's call to view "Asia as Method" and the potential lessons Asia has for International Relations scholarship and theory. As an International Relations scholar within the decolonial studies paradigm, this was a thoroughly informative text that affirms the dangers of holding as universal Eurocentric IR theories.
While I did feel that some parts of the book were a bit repetitive, in how the 2 key arguments of the book a beat into you with each chapter, I think overall the book was an easy read, such that anyone (even non-academics) interested in China's rise and East Asian history can pick this book up.
In the conclusion, Ma and Kang also leave ideas on future scholarship based on the lessons within the book which are interesting to consider and think through as History/ politics/ international relations scholars.

The central thesis of this book that Western history should not be universally applied is a very good one and the book digs into to examples across Asian history that illustrate this point and does a good job at using these moments in history to prove their point. As someone who didn't have a lot of knowledge in this area before reading this book, I found it pretty easy to read and it's quite short. However it can be pretty academic and dry in places.

An incisive and enchanting look into some patterns of East Asian history, and the lessons that can be drawn from that tradition for future U.S.-China relations. My full review can be found on Open Letters Review.

Review: Beyond Power Transitions by David C. Kang and Xinru Ma

In "Beyond Power Transitions," Kang and Ma challenge prevailing narratives about power transition theory and U.S.-China relations. Their book offers a fresh perspective on East Asian history and its implications for current geopolitics.

The authors begin by questioning the assumption that China's rise must inevitably lead to conflict with the U.S. "History is not destiny," they argue, setting the stage for a more nuanced exploration of international relations.

Kang and Ma delve into East Asian history, presenting a complex picture that defies simple categorization. They recount the fascinating tale of the Ryukyu Kingdom, which maintained tributary relationships with both China and Japan for centuries. This dual allegiance allowed Ryukyu to prosper as a trading hub, challenging our modern notions of exclusive sovereignty and demonstrating the flexibility of historical East Asian diplomacy.

Their examination of the tributary system is particularly insightful. The authors describe how in 1424, the Yongle Emperor of Ming China bestowed upon the King of Korea a gift of 10,000 volumes of Chinese classics. This act, far from being mere generosity, was a sophisticated form of soft power, binding Korea into China's cultural orbit while respecting its political autonomy.

The book's strength lies in its rejection of oversimplified historical narratives. As the authors note, "The 'rise and fall' framework reduces centuries of intricate interactions to a simplistic power struggle." This approach allows for a more thoughtful analysis of historical patterns and their relevance to contemporary issues.

Their perspective on China's current international behavior is thought-provoking. They point to the 15th-century voyages of Zheng He, whose massive treasure fleets sailed as far as Africa not for conquest, but for prestige and trade. Kang and Ma argue that this historical precedent of "showing the flag" without territorial ambition offers a different lens through which to view China's current Belt and Road Initiative.

While Kang and Ma's optimism about U.S.-China cooperation is refreshing, it occasionally seems to downplay real tensions. However, in a field often dominated by pessimistic forecasts, this more hopeful outlook provides a necessary balance.

"Beyond Power Transitions" is not just a historical study; it's an argument for rethinking our approach to international relations. The authors remind us of the 1793 Macartney mission to China, where cultural misunderstandings led to diplomatic failure. They suggest that similar misinterpretations of intentions and cultural norms may be clouding current U.S.-China relations.

In an era of heightened focus on U.S.-China dynamics, this book offers a timely perspective. It reminds us that a deeper understanding of history can open up new possibilities for cooperation rather than conflict. Kang and Ma's work serves as a valuable contribution to the discourse on East Asian international relations, offering a more nuanced and potentially more constructive vision of the future.

Picked this book out on a whim when I was taking a class on China’s economy (and talking a lot about the US-China rivalry) and was interested in learning more about Asian history. As someone who is far from being well versed in the subject, I found the content to be through yet accessible. There is sufficient context and examples given and the analysis provided is not convoluted in a way that is too overtly academic. The key conclusions were insightful and logically derived from the evidence provided. I think the biggest takeaway however is the implication that universal theories may not be as universal as believed. As highlighted with Beyond Power Transitions there is a real need to reevaluate the premises through which we view the world, especially as many of our dominant political, economic, and social theories are heavily Western influenced.