The China Diary of George H. W. Bush: The Making of a Global
ISBN: , SKU: , AUTHOR: Engel, Jeffrey A. / Bush, George H. W., PUBLISHER: Princeton University Press, Available in print for ong>theong> first time, this day-by-day diary of George H. W. Bush's life in China opens a fascinating window into one of ong>theong> most formative periods of his career. As head of ong>theong> United States Liaison Office in Beijing from to , Bush witnessed high-level policy deliberations and daily social interactions between ong>theong> two Cold War superpowers. "ong>Theong> China Diary of George H. W. Bush" offers an intimate look at this fundamental period of international history, marks a monumental contribution to our understanding of U.S.-China relations, and sheds light on ong>theong> ideals of a ong>globalong> president in ong>theong> making. In compelling words, Bush reveals a thoughtful and pragmatic realism that would guide him for decades to come. He considers ong>theong> crisis of Vietnam, ong>theong> difficulties of detente, and tensions in ong>theong> Middle East, while lamenting ong>theong> ong>globalong> decline in American power. He formulates views on ong>theong> importance of international alliances and personal diplomacy, as he struggles to form meaningful relationships with China's top leaders. With a critical eye for detail, he depicts key political figures, including Gerald Ford, Donald Rumsfeld, Deng Xiaoping, and ong>theong> ever-difficult Henry Kissinger. Throughout, Bush offers impressions of China and its people, describing his explorations of Beijing by bicycle, and his experiences with Chinese food, language lessons, and Ping-Pong. Complete with a preface by George H. W. Bush, and an introduction and essay by Jeffrey Engel that place Bush's China experience in ong>theong> broad context of his public career, "ong>Theong> China Diary of George H. W. Bush" offers an unmediated perspective on American diplomatic history, and explores a crucial period's impact on a future commander in chief.