Cold War and Civil War (Origins of US-Soviet Rivalry and Nationalist-Communist Conflict, 1944-1946)

Author: Zhang Zhenjiang
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2005-05-01
Features: The "Studies on the Political and Social Changes in Modern China" academic series is the final outcome of the "985" research project at Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, focusing on the relationship between political and social changes in modern China. Politics is a broad and complex concept. This project adopts a broad definition of politics, expanding the research scope to political thought, political institutions, international environment, foreign relations, and significant political figures and 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 of key figures and the social impact of their governance theories, policies, and methods. It aims to explore the interactive relationship between politics and society from multiple perspectives and levels using the theories and methods of political sociology, and to evaluate the correctness of political ideas, 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, feudalism, and 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 trend of the times. These two sides represented the two social forces in China and reflected the two prospects 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 modern 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 focuses its efforts on developing the economy, culture, and education, rapidly advancing 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 relatively weakly studied in terms of its social impact, necessitating more urgent research and higher standards. There is 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 more comprehensive grasp. Previous political history research emphasized class struggle and revolutionary movements, unidirectionally explaining the turmoil and instability caused by political change for 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 research. This project takes the interactive relationship between political and social changes in modern China as the basic starting point, establishing an innovative and era-specific macro-explanatory system based on existing micro-studies. Guided by the expansion of observational scope and the deepening of research levels, it aims to enhance research standards and open new paths through the combination of macro and micro studies and innovative methods. 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 academic community both domestically and internationally in research on Sun Yat-sen and modern Chinese politics, adheres to academic norms, and has long fostered a spirit of seeking truth and practicality, as well as a collaborative academic atmosphere, demonstrating great potential in multiple areas. The "Studies on the Political and Social Changes in Modern China" project involves senior professors and doctoral supervisors, postdoctoral researchers, and the rest are PhD holders, forming a research team that combines experience, middle-aged, and young scholars. Each researcher explores new frontiers based on their interests and findings. Many of the works presented are their PhD theses, which received excellent evaluations from their dissertation 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 "Studies on the Political and Social Changes in Modern China" academic series now presented to readers is the fruit of their hard labor. We hope 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.