The Path to China: Deng Xiaoping and the Development of Sino-US Relations for 20 Years

Author: Gao Zhan
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2005-02-01
Features: The academic series "Political and Social Change in Modern China" is the final outcome of the "985" research project at Sun Yat-sen University of Guangzhou, focusing on the relationship between political and social change in modern China. Politics is a broad and complex concept. This project defines politics in a broad sense, expanding the research scope to include political thought, political institutions, the international environment, foreign relations, as well as key political figures and major political events in modern China. By integrating politics and society, it examines the relationship between politics and the economy, the impact of politics on education and talent cultivation, the role of politics in social stability and civilization, and the influence of politics on foreign relations, particularly the political attitudes and governance theories, policies, and methods of important figures and their social consequences. This project aims to explore the interactive relationship between politics and society from multiple perspectives and levels using the theoretical and methodological approaches of political sociology, measuring and evaluating the correctness of political thought, propositions, and the governance of political figures based on the stability, progress, development, and degree of civilization of society. This is a new attempt.
The politics of modern China emerged within the political framework of a semi-colonial and semi-feudal society. On one side were capitalistic imperialism and feudalism, as well as bureaucratic capitalism, which held the ruling power over China. On the other side were the vast patriotic and revolutionary masses and various intellectuals pursuing progress and keeping pace with the times. These two sides represented the two social forces of China and reflected the two possible futures of modern China. Their political ideologies, thoughts, and proposals for reforming China constrained the developmental path of modern China. The politics of modern China is the central content and foundational background for examining the social transformation of modern China.
In contemporary China, political power is held by the broad masses of the people, with the state's power center being the central government led by the Communist Party of China. The state concentrates its efforts on developing the economy, culture, and education, enabling rapid development of Chinese society. Previous research on modern Chinese history has achieved substantial results and significant breakthroughs in various aspects, but there are also shortcomings. For example, the key hub controlling the social transformation of modern China—political change—has been studied insufficiently in terms of its social impact, and there is an urgent need for more research and higher standards. There is also a trend of shifting research focus from various social aspects back to the center and an objective requirement to move from specific studies to a broader, holistic understanding.
Previous political history research focused primarily on class struggle and revolutionary movements, unidirectionally explaining the turmoil and instability caused by political change in society, as well as its impact on the economy, culture, and education. To some extent, this limited the expansion of the field and the advancement of theories in modern Chinese political history. This project takes the interactive relationship between political and social change in modern China as the basic starting point. Building on existing micro-level research, it establishes an innovative and era-specific macro-level interpretive system, guided by the expansion of observational scope and the deepening of research levels. Through the combination of macro and micro approaches and the innovation of research methods, it aims to enhance research standards and open new pathways.
The history of modern Chinese politics is an important aspect of modern Chinese history research. Overall, past research has been characterized by both a large number of achievements and severe shortcomings, leaving considerable room for further development. Sun Yat-sen University has a strong tradition and advantage in the study of modern Chinese political thought, political institutions, political figures, and international relations. It leads the field of academia both domestically and internationally in research on Sun Yat-sen and modern Chinese politics. The university adheres to academic norms, has long fostered a spirit of seeking truth and a collaborative academic atmosphere, and has great potential in multiple areas.
The research on the "Political and Social Change in Modern China" project involves senior professors and doctoral supervisors, postdoctoral researchers, and the rest are PhD holders, forming a research team with a mix of experience levels. Each member explores new frontiers based on their interests and research findings. Many of the works presented are their PhD theses, which received excellent evaluations from their defense committees after repeated revisions before being published. They have conducted specialized research on the relationship between modern Chinese politics and society from different perspectives and angles, each with unique characteristics and strengths, demonstrating foresight and academic rigor.
The academic series "Political and Social Change in Modern China" now presented to readers is the fruit of their hard work. It is hoped that these achievements will help and inspire people to understand the relationship between politics and social change from new angles. Of course, we also expect criticism and corrections from readers and the academic community.