Rosemary Foot Knihy

The book explores the evolution of human rights discourse over the past fifty years, particularly in relation to China. It analyzes how this shift has influenced the actions of individuals, states, institutions, and advocacy networks, and examines its implications for international relations involving China. By focusing on the interplay between human rights norms and diplomatic policies, the text highlights the significant role that media and democratic values play in shaping perceptions and actions towards China on the global stage.

'US Hegemony and International Organizations', written by a group of leading scholars from the US and around the world, examines the role of the United States in a variety of global and regional organizations, including the United Nations, the World Bank and IMF, the WTO, NATO, and the Organization of American States.

The book meticulously traces the evolution of U.S.-China relations from post-1949 hostility to the normalization of ties in 1979. It explores how U.S. perceptions shifted regarding China's capabilities and the impact of the Sino-Soviet rift and domestic failures like the Great Leap Forward. The author highlights the challenges in maintaining consensus on China policy and the gradual erosion of support for it. Additionally, it discusses how China's exposure to global ideas and values post-1979 influenced the bilateral relationship, marking a complex interplay between cooperation and resistance.

In 1951, General Omar Bradley declared publicly that war with China would involve the United States "in the wrong war, at the wrong place, at the wrong time, and with the wrong enemy." Despite the stated intent of the U.S. to keep the Korean conflict from spreading, the debate on extending the war was far more intense and protracted than previous accounts of this period have suggested. Concentrating on the debate over expansion, Rosemary Foot reveals the strains it caused both within the U.S. bureaucracy and between America and its North Atlantic allies. She supplies important new information on the U.S. government's appraisal of Sino-Soviet relations between 1950 and 1953, and makes clear that a high proportion of U.S. officials came to recognize the limited nature of Soviet support for China. Explaining why the Eisenhower administration nearly unleashed nuclear weapons on China in the spring of 1953, Foot demonstrates that the Korean war would very likely have grown into a conflict of major proportions if the Chinese and North Koreans had not conceded the final issue of the truce talks--the question of the voluntary repatriation of prisoners of war.

The book delves into the complex dynamics of U.S.-China relations, examining their impact on global politics, economics, and security. It highlights key historical events, current tensions, and potential future scenarios, offering insights into how this bilateral relationship shapes international affairs. The analysis includes perspectives on trade, technology, and military strategies, emphasizing the significance of cooperation and conflict in an increasingly interconnected world.