China and Vietnam

The Politics of Asymmetry

Brantly Womack author

Format:Hardback

Publisher:Cambridge University Press

Published:13th Feb '06

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China and Vietnam cover

The value of asymmetry theory is demonstrated in the dynamics of the Sino-Vietnamese relationship.

In their three thousand years of interaction, China and Vietnam have been through a full range of relationships. Throughout all these fluctuations the one constant has been that China is always the larger power, and Vietnam the smaller.In their three thousand years of interaction, China and Vietnam have been through a full range of relationships. Twenty-five years ago they were one another's worst enemies; fifty years ago they were the closest of comrades. Five hundred years ago they each saw themselves as Confucian empires; fifteen hundred years ago Vietnam was a part of China. Throughout all these fluctuations the one constant has been that China is always the larger power, and Vietnam the smaller. China has rarely been able to dominate Vietnam, and yet the relationship is shaped by its asymmetry. The Sino-Vietnamese relationship provides the perfect ground for developing and exploring the effects of asymmetry on international relations. Womack develops his theory in conjunction with an original analysis of the interaction between China and Vietnam from the Bronze Age to the present.

'This well-written, thoughtful and often witty book contributes to both international relations theory and comparative politics … China and Vietnam is a book that small and large university libraries should have and one that will work well in courses in international relations, comparative politics and Asian studies. It is an illuminating study for both novice and professional researchers.' The China Journal
'Brantly Womack's impressive study of the complex, and frequently violent, relationship of China and Vietnam will fascinate students of international relations theory as well as Asian history. …For those seriously interested in Chinese-Vietnamese relations, this book is a must.' Asian Affairs
'… an extremely informative and sophisticated approach, offering insightful perspectives for understanding a puzzling diplomatic relationship between two similar and avowedly socialist countries. … Womack's book is a brilliantly written Sino-Vietnemese political history …' Journal of Contemporary Asia Publishers

ISBN: 9780521853200

Dimensions: 235mm x 156mm x 20mm

Weight: 510g

296 pages