China Dreams: 20 Visions of the Future - Tapa blanda

China Dreams introduces the multitude of visions of China's future-and the world's future-in China today. Bill Callahan is neither a dragon slayer nor a dragon hugger, but a scholar steeped in the certainties, doubts, prejudices, visions and wisdom of some of China's most influential scholars, artists, activists and thinkers. He has done all of us a great service presenting the many voices that speak in China today about the problems and choices that face all of us, Chinese or not, so elegantly and persuasively. (Frank Pieke, Chair of modern China studies, Leiden University)

As China's new leader Xi Jinping puts great emphasis on the 'China dream,' this timely book explains what it is and how it looks back to 5,000 years of Chinese civilization but makes sure to privilege socialism. Exceptional attention is put on the diverse visions proposed by Chinese intellectuals. Grounded in close reading of Chinese sources, including triumphal claims associated with three celebrations (the Beijing Olympics, the sixtieth anniversary of the PRC, and the Shanghai World Expo)

The debate about China's future is immensely significant. As the author of China Dreams demonstrates, it is important not only for that country, but for humanity as a whole. Callahan confidently introduces and assesses the dreamscapes of the world's emerging power. He shows us how contending 'citizen intellectuals' and populist thinkers in China imagine different futures for a country that is heavily burdened by its conflicted pasts. In guiding us through the present hopes and fears, the imaginings and the nightmares of a rising China, he shows that understanding the realm of ideas and culture is important for appreciating the economic, trade, military and social trajectories of the People's Republic. (Geremie R Barmé, Founding Director, Australian Centre on China in the World)

William A. Callahan's China Dreams... takes the discussion out of the theoretical world of historical forces and hypothetical scenarios, and gives modern Chinese a voice. (Ian Johnson, New York Review of Books)

After celebrating their country's three decades of fantastic economic success, many Chinese are now asking, "What comes next?" How can China convert its growing economic power into political and cultural influence around the globe?