William Callahan provides a different perspective on China in his book, China:The Pessoptimist Nation. It introduces a good filter in understanding why China will not take specific economic actions on exchange rate policy. It does not want to be perceived as being pushed by other nations. While this may be a perspective of most countries when foreigners suggest a policy change which may not be in its interest, there may be heightened sensitivity in China.
The pessoptimist view argues that China's history with the West and with all foreigners has been a source of anxiety that may cloud its current behavior even as its power grows on the international stage.
Interaction across nations is always confused by cultural differences. This gulf may be greater between China and the rest of the world. Growth and size may not change the fact that China may view itself differently from others who have actually less economic power.
The view of China was altered with the summer Olympics of 2008. It was China's introduction as a great power, yet China itself is fighting with its identity. It is on the surface a optimistic country. The growth and strides made in the last 25 years have been amazing. The dream of a better China for all citizens is strong. The belief that China is a major country on the international political scene is clear.
Yet, there is history that is presented by the country of humiliation at the hands of foreigners which provides a barrier for negotiations with all other countries. In the normal give and take of politics, this past history has made the Chinese more senstive to any loses or perceived slights. Negotiations become more difficult if this view of past injustice and need for adjustment is present at the table. Rising nationalism combined with China's growing power makes for country dynamics which can be very uncertain.
Callaham makes a very good case for a country which "lends itself to hyperbole - both positive and negative", what he calls the pessoptimist nation. He argues that the "heart of China's foreign policy is a dilemma of identity. Who is China and how does it fit into the world" Give the dramatic change in history especially from the century before 1949, the view of itself is unclear. Do you forget the past or use it as a basis for identity. While recent success and strength are celebrated, there is also a focus on never forgetting the "national humiliation" at the hands of imperialists. There is a strong view that Chinese civilization has always been under assault by the barbarians, outsiders. This view of history will have an influential effect on all behavior both inside and outside the country.
The issue of identity is complex with China because there are key issues with defining China. For example, "When is China?" The history of China has been in a state of flux. The issue is not with the most recent events but events pre-1949. The changing emphasis of the historical record has adapted the views of all educated in China. The book also argues the important issue of "Where is China?" Historical maps of China shows a country which has not been clearly defined so that any issue of defining border is not easily resolved. The question of "who is China" is also not something that can be easily defined. Identity politics have an impact in dealing with neighbors and borders. The who is China also has an effect on self criticism. Issues of identity make for more difficulty with criticism of the government.
The pessoptimist nation is not a conventional view of China and certainly not the view that the government would like to promote; nevertheless, it provides a different perspective on a challenging issues. How do you deal with a major world power that has a complex and dynamic history?
The pessoptimist view argues that China's history with the West and with all foreigners has been a source of anxiety that may cloud its current behavior even as its power grows on the international stage.
Interaction across nations is always confused by cultural differences. This gulf may be greater between China and the rest of the world. Growth and size may not change the fact that China may view itself differently from others who have actually less economic power.
The view of China was altered with the summer Olympics of 2008. It was China's introduction as a great power, yet China itself is fighting with its identity. It is on the surface a optimistic country. The growth and strides made in the last 25 years have been amazing. The dream of a better China for all citizens is strong. The belief that China is a major country on the international political scene is clear.
Yet, there is history that is presented by the country of humiliation at the hands of foreigners which provides a barrier for negotiations with all other countries. In the normal give and take of politics, this past history has made the Chinese more senstive to any loses or perceived slights. Negotiations become more difficult if this view of past injustice and need for adjustment is present at the table. Rising nationalism combined with China's growing power makes for country dynamics which can be very uncertain.
Callaham makes a very good case for a country which "lends itself to hyperbole - both positive and negative", what he calls the pessoptimist nation. He argues that the "heart of China's foreign policy is a dilemma of identity. Who is China and how does it fit into the world" Give the dramatic change in history especially from the century before 1949, the view of itself is unclear. Do you forget the past or use it as a basis for identity. While recent success and strength are celebrated, there is also a focus on never forgetting the "national humiliation" at the hands of imperialists. There is a strong view that Chinese civilization has always been under assault by the barbarians, outsiders. This view of history will have an influential effect on all behavior both inside and outside the country.
The issue of identity is complex with China because there are key issues with defining China. For example, "When is China?" The history of China has been in a state of flux. The issue is not with the most recent events but events pre-1949. The changing emphasis of the historical record has adapted the views of all educated in China. The book also argues the important issue of "Where is China?" Historical maps of China shows a country which has not been clearly defined so that any issue of defining border is not easily resolved. The question of "who is China" is also not something that can be easily defined. Identity politics have an impact in dealing with neighbors and borders. The who is China also has an effect on self criticism. Issues of identity make for more difficulty with criticism of the government.
The pessoptimist nation is not a conventional view of China and certainly not the view that the government would like to promote; nevertheless, it provides a different perspective on a challenging issues. How do you deal with a major world power that has a complex and dynamic history?
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