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.