History is woven from different narratives, perspectives, and interpretations, and there is a saying that "History is written by victors."
Perhaps more poignantly, Hermann Göring, Churchill's enemy in World War II, is recorded as saying, "The victor will always be the judge, and the vanquished the accused" at the Nuremberg trials.
From the Western perspective, China has never been the victor, so our history is the only one we prescribe.
Today, as the historically defeated, colonized, and once unequally divided China rises in power and influence, most Westerners fail to contextualize their perspective of history and its collective psychological effect.
UPCOMING BOOK
Strategic Pragmatism for De-Risking Post-COVID China: Circumnavigating Cultural and Psychological Landmines Inside the Chinese Arena is a timely and indispensable guide for Westerners seeking to understand how to collaborate with Chinese stakeholders in the post-pandemic era. Drawing upon an overview of China's historical relationship with the West and how perceptions and misperceptions evolve, this book helps readers develop a winning approach to managing the interpersonal relationships they will need to succeed—Guanxi. This book serves students, entrepreneurs, and business leaders curious about assembling a repertoire of tactics and strategies that better align with the emotional psychologies of Chinese players and the rigid national sentiments they exhibit inside the Chinese arena.
New Author Page: https://www.provocativechina.com/