The Gap Between Thought and Era -- A Study of the Late Qing Diplomat Liu Xihong (Political and Social Changes in Modern and Contemporary China)

Author: Zhang Yuquan
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2004-07-01
Features: This book tells the political career of Liu Xihong, a late Qing dynasty diplomat, his transformation amidst the tides of the era, and provides insight into the society at that time. He was one of the first diplomats sent abroad in the late Qing dynasty, and his understanding of Western culture far exceeded that of his contemporaries in China. However, he was also a staunch feudalist and a determined opponent of Western culture. The "Modern and Contemporary China: Politics and Society Transformation" academic research series is the final outcome of the "985" research project at Sun Yat-sen University in Guangzhou, focusing on the relationship between political and social transformations in modern China.
Politics is a broad and complex concept. This project discusses politics in a broad sense, expanding the research scope to political thought, political institutions, international environment, foreign relations in modern China, as well as important political figures and major political events. It combines politics with society to examine the relationship between politics and the economy, the impact of politics on education and talent cultivation, the role of politics in social stability and progress, and the influence of politics on foreign relations, particularly the political attitudes of some 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. It seeks to measure and evaluate the correctness of political thought, ideas, and the governance of political figures based on the stability, progress, development, and level of civilization of society. This is a new attempt.