Mao Zedong & Chinas Foreign Policy

This book analyses China's foreign policy from 1949 to 1976 through a cognitive-perceptual lens, emphasise Mao Zedong's central role as the primary decision making authority. Moving beyond realist frameworks, it highlights how Mao's ideological worldviewshaped by his 'theory of contradictions', revolutionary zeal, and use of historical analogiesdrove China's foreign policy, particularly in relation to Vietnam. His subjective interpretation of global affairs, reinforced by Marxist-Leninist principles and China's historical identity, guided key strategic decisions. The study underscores the importance of individual leaders' beliefs, perceptions, and psychological traits in shaping foreign policy, offering broader implications for understanding international relations through cognitive and psychological approaches.

provides a unique view on China-Vietnam relations and the influence of Mao Zedong applies cognitive models of foreign policy decision-making to understand the role of perception as the core variable looks at the lasting impact of Mao Zedong's unique thinking on China's foreign policy up to this day

Autorentext

Dr. Amrita Jash**** is Assistant Professor at the Department of Geopolitics and International Relations, Manipal Institute of Social Sciences Humanities and Arts at the Manipal Academy of Higher Education (Institute of Eminence) in India. She holds a Ph.D. in Chinese Studies from Jawaharlal Nehru University. She was a Pavate Fellow at the University of Cambridge and an IAS Visiting Fellow at Loughborough University. Dr. Jash is also the author of China's Japan Policy: Learning from the Past, and The Concept of Active Defence in China's Military Strategy.

Inhalt

Chapter 1: Introduction.- Chapter 2: How Leaders Think, Decide, And Act.- Chapter 3: Lines In The Sand: The World According To Mao.- Chapter 4: Crafting China's Place: Mao's Cognitive World Order.- Chapter 5: Mao Zedong & Vietnam: Biases Behind The Comradeship.- Chapter 6: Comrades & Strategy: Vietnam In Mao's Worldview.- Chapter 7: Conclusion.