In today’s society we see how China and other Asian countries develop in a faster rate compared to those who
In “When China Rules The World” Martin Jacques talks about eleven subjects that also makes up his book. The first subject is the “End of the Western World” in this part Martin Jacques highlights the advancement of modernization and industrialization that epitomizes the Western civilization from the 18th century up until the early years of the 21st century. Jacques also acknowledges the modernization and industrialization that many Asian countries underwent in the late-20th century, inspired by the Western models which suddenly brought many Asian countries to positions of affluence.
Second subject being the “Rise of the West,” that emphasizes the “’European miracle’ of industrialization” that enabled the West to develop commercially while most of Asia lagged behind. Jacques also mentions that Europe was once in a similar position as China the West was able to rapidly beat China and the rest of Asia through its “European miracle’ of industrialization”.
The third subject is about “Japan-Modern but Hardly Western,” that focuses on the historical factors that shaped Japan’s modernization and Westernization. Jacques discusses the Meiji Restoration, in which Japan learned the Western way in an effort to economically and militarily regain perceived honor in the face of Western humiliation.
The fourth subject takes on “China’s Ignominy,” beginning with China’s first major encounter with the Western world. This started in 1792, King George III ordered and financed a Western mission led by Macartney to be sent to Emperor Qianlong in 1792. The intention was to force China to open up its markets to Western trade. Jacques talked about how he hopes somewhat explore China’s history by looking back at the cultures norms and values that made China what it is today, also how China identifies as a Confucian nation-state that follows the laws of the Mandate of Heaven. The conclusion of the chapter by talks about the weakened sovereignty that China suffered for over a century as a result of Western domination.
Jacques also talked about “Contested Modernity” as the fourth subject in his book in which is focused on the impact that the “Asian Tigers” has had on redefining traditional understandings of modernity. One of the most difficult challenges to this change is the role of English as the global lingua franca. Jacques recognizes that the dominance of English is slowly being eroded and replaced with a greater variety of languages. Jacques concludes the chapter by emphasizing that in East Asia especially China, politics is rooted in culture. Also, Chinese culture has been tough against Westernization in many aspects, a reality that partly defines China’s successful contesting of Western modernization and how they can one day rule the world.
The sixth subject is “China as An Economic Superpower”. This subject talks about China’s journey to economic superpower status from the period of Deng Xiaoping to Jiang Zemin and Hu Jintao. Jacques focuses on the various elements of China’s economic boom opening up to outside investments. He also talks about the negative social, political, and environmental implications of China’s economic rise.
“A Civilization-State” as the seventh subject aims to get rid of the label China as a nation-state in the Westphalia sense but as a civilization-state. Because of how they have their own way of politics, they have their own norms and have a different language. Though a problem that the Chinese Communist Party itself must be aware of the local social and economic challenges it constantly faces especially the increase of the gap between the rich and the poor both environmental concerns and corruption. The communist party must be able to adapt to these problems to be able to solve them.
The eighth subject discusses the concept of the “Middle Kingdom Mentality”. This mentality the Chinese have claims that China and the Chinese have their own story of how everything came to be. This part of the book covers the sensitive issue of racism, apparently important in Chinese culture and in modern China. Jacques talks about how racism is very prevalent in modern China, as whites are respected and adored while Blacks are depicted as racially inferior. Also, the Chinese think that they are the center of everything because of their geographical placement in the world map.
The ninth topic discusses “China’s Own Backyard” which brings to attention China’s approach in engaging with its neighbors. China is a major trading partner of Asian countries especially East Asian countries. In an effort to convince its neighbors of its peaceful intentions China has settled major border disputes with its neighbors. An example being the Spratley’s island and the west Philippine sea which has been debated about for quite some time. Japan has become more economically dependent but is also politically at odds with China.
Subject ten is about “China as a Rising Global Power” discusses how China has used its leverage as the industrial factory of the world to engage in partnerships aimed at circling American hegemony. China is also incrementally working towards the creation of a new world order, with the center of wealth shifting from Europe to East Asia. This made China invest heavily in Africa winning hearts and minds in an effort to secure the raw materials to fuel the Chinese economy. China has expanded its economic activities in South Asia, and enjoyed a rather smooth relationship with European countries.
Subject eleven, “When China Rules the World,” makes the final link between China’s past and how it impacted its future rise as a civilization-state. Jacques talks about the potential implications of its rise are numerous. China will exercise a gravitational pull as its cities increasingly become the economic centers of the world. China’s multinational corporations will overtake markets previously dominated by Western firms, and creating a new political pole with Beijing at the center, and East Asia as the ring. Chinese values, cultures, and language (Mandarin) are becoming the new standard when it comes to businesses. Finally, the last part of the book provides closing statements and lists and discusses eight key characteristics that define China on its journey to becoming the new powerful nation-state: 1. China is not a nation-state, but a civilization-state; 2. China is likely to define its relationship with East Asia in terms of a tributary-state; 3. China has a distinct outlook on race and ethnicity; 4. China operates on a continental canvas to other nation-states; 5. the nature of the Chinese polity is very specific; 6. China’s modernity is characterized by the speed of its transformation; 7. China is ruled by a communist regime, and 8. China will be represented by the combined characteristics of both a developed and a developing country.