Full Description
This book enriches the evolving concept of soft power, and China's approach to soft power, by considering how aspects of Chinese culture, notably the traditional martial art and health promoting exercise Tai Chi Quan, are being successfully promoted around the world by non-state actors, and how this fits alongside China's state-sponsored soft power promotion. The book contrasts growing soft power promotion by China with the corresponding decline in such activities by Western states, outlines the growth of Tai Chi Quan societies worldwide and explores in detail why Tai Chi Quan appeals so strongly outside China. It shows how Tai Chi Quan introduces many people around the world to Chinese culture and builds links between people inside China and elsewhere in the world. It concludes that Tai Chi Quan achieves what soft power aims to achieve: a good image and long-term friendship.
Contents
List of figures
Acknowledgements
Authors
Chapter 1 Introduction
Chapter 2 Situating China's Efforts in the Global Landscape of Soft Power
Chapter 3 From Awareness to Confidence: The Revival of Traditional Culture
Chapter 4 Tai Chi Quan: From a Wellness and Self-Defence Exercise to a Diplomacy Vehicle
Chapter 5 Tai Chi Quan Masters as Actors of Tai Chi Diplomacy
Chapter 6 Conceptualisation: The Network Model of Objectives and the Collaboration Model
Chapter 7 Conclusion: China's Public Diplomacy - An Alternate Perspective
Bibliography
Index
