国際金融、人権問題、奇跡的な経済の発展…その動向について耳にしない日はないほど国際社会への影響力を増した中国。農民社会でありながら世界有数の未来都市を持ち、東アジアの先進国として歩んできた長い歴史を持つ一方で未だ近代的アイデンティティの形成途上にあるなど、矛盾が多い国であることに気が付かされます。新版には超大国としての世界における位置付けや直近10年間の歩みを盛り込んでおり、中国の今を描出します。(cf. The BRICS, #471; China in the 21st Century: What Everyone Needs to Know; China's Economy: What Everyone Needs to Know)
  

• Examines the modern history, politics, economy, and thriving cultural scene of contemporary China, and its relations with the wider world
• Covers a range of social issues from the position of women in society, to the influence of television and film, and the role of the overseas Chinese disapora
• Includes accounts of many prominent figures, such as the Communist leaders, the last emperors, and writers and artists
• Offers a guide to the themes and controversies that have shaped modern China

 
China today is never out of the news: from international finance to human rights controversies, global coverage of its rising international presence, and the Chinese 'economic miracle'. It seems to be a country of contradictions: a peasant society with some of the world's most futuristic cities, heir to an ancient civilization that is still trying to find a modern identity. 

This Very Short Introduction offers the reader an entry to understanding the world's most populous nation, giving an integrated picture of modern Chinese society, culture, economy, politics, and art. In this new edition, Rana Mitter addresses China's current global position, accounting for the country's growth in global significance over the past decade.