Sinology in Post-Communist States：Views from the Czech Republic, Mongolia, Poland, and Russia

Becoming a sinologist means deconstructing stereotypical notions of China’s rise in the twenty-first century. The sinologists in this volume actively think through and adapt to their particular historical contexts as they conduct their research. Positioned across various locations such as the Czech Republic, Mongolia, Poland, and Russia, these scholars use diverse approaches to map China’s modern evolution. Through the rediscovery of post-Communist sinology, the conclusions in this volume have major implications for the evolution of intellectual history and its analysis by emphasizing the importance of individualized agency to the practice of sinology.

Chih-yu Shih teaches cultural studies, China Studies, and civilizational studies. He is Editor-in-Chief of the journal?Asian Ethnicity. He has published widely on ethnic citizenship, international relations, and the political culture of China. Previously a visiting scholar at Chuo, Yonsei, Tubingen, Durham, Princeton, Duke, and Stanford, he is currently University Chair of Political Science at National Taiwan University. His most recent publications include Sinicizing International Relations: Self, Civilization and Intellectual Politics of Subaltern East Asia, Harmonious Intervention: China’s Quest for Relational Security, and Post-Western International Relations Reconsidered: The Pre-Modern Politics of Gongsun Long.

“China scholars in the West often forget that alternative traditions in sinology exist elsewhere. In Sinology in Post-Communist States, Chih-yu Shih has skillfully assembled twelve essays that discuss approaches to studying China in former Communist countries including the Czech Republic, Mongolia, Poland, and Russia. These essays range from personal recollections to analyses of interviews of leading scholars from these regions. They give powerful insights not only on the influence of political change on sinology, but more generally on what drives people to devote their lives to this scholarly pursuit. All those interested in China Studies will find this book enjoyable and illuminating.”

——Kam Louie, Honorary Professor, The University of Hong Kong