The Practice of Power

The book meticulously traces the evolution of U.S.-China relations from post-1949 hostility to the normalization of ties in 1979. It explores how U.S. perceptions shifted regarding China's capabilities and the impact of the Sino-Soviet rift and domestic failures like the Great Leap Forward. The author highlights the challenges in maintaining consensus on China policy and the gradual erosion of support for it. Additionally, it discusses how China's exposure to global ideas and values post-1979 influenced the bilateral relationship, marking a complex interplay between cooperation and resistance.