China-Swiss Relations during the Cold War, 19491989

During the Cold War, Switzerland functioned as a hub for Chinese propaganda networks. Focusing on cultural diplomacy and questioning the notion of soft power, this book explores how the People's Republic of China (PRC) developed its influence and its prestige abroad through its Embassy in Bern, the most important in Western Europe.

Autorentext

Cyril Cordoba is an historian (PhD). He is currently a post-doctoral researcher teaching at the Department of Contemporary History of the University of Fribourg and at UniDistance, Switzerland.

Inhalt

Introduction Part I Diplomacy and Propaganda 1. Obstacles to a Sino-Swiss cultural diplomacy 2. Swiss cultural events in China 3. Chinäs "people s diplomacy" Part II The Many Faces of Friendship 4. Under surveillance (1949-1964) 5. Golden age (1964-1976) 6. Bittersweet twilight (1976-1989) Part III Pro-Chinese Culture and Politics 7. The voice of Beijing in Switzerland 8. A small step for Man, a giant leap for Friendship 9. With a friend like Han Suyin Conclusion