The Snow Lion and the Dragon: China...
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Tensions over the 'Tibet Question' - the political status of Tibet - are escalating everyday. The Dalai Lama has gained broad international sympathy in his appeals for autonomy fr…
Book Summary
Melvyn C. Goldstein's 'The Snow Lion and the Dragon' offers a concise, authoritative analysis of the Tibet conflict, tracing its historical roots and contemporary escalation. It explains the Dalai Lama's autonomy appeals, China's hard-line stance, and proposes a pragmatic resolution. Ideal for readers seeking a balanced, scholarly overview of one of the world's most intractable political disputes.
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About The Snow Lion and the Dragon: China...
In 'The Snow Lion and the Dragon,' Tibet scholar Melvyn C. Goldstein provides a compact yet comprehensive examination of the 'Tibet Question'—the ongoing dispute over Tibet's political status. He traces the conflict from early twentieth-century relations through China's incorporation of Tibet, the Dalai Lama's exile, and the cycle of protests and repression. Goldstein analyzes the Dalai Lama's international campaign for genuine autonomy and Beijing's insistence on sovereignty, explaining why negotiations have repeatedly failed. He then presents a detailed proposal for resolving the impasse, balancing Tibetan cultural and religious rights with Chinese strategic concerns. Drawing on decades of research and firsthand knowledge, the book offers a clear, balanced, and policy-relevant perspective on a conflict that continues to shape Sino-Tibetan relations and international diplomacy.
Who should read The Snow Lion and the Dragon: China...?
This book is essential for students of Chinese and Tibetan history, international relations scholars, policymakers, journalists covering Asia, and anyone seeking a balanced understanding of the Tibet conflict. It suits readers who want a concise, scholarly yet accessible analysis of the historical and political dimensions, as well as those interested in conflict resolution and autonomy models. General readers with an interest in human rights and East Asian affairs will also find it valuable.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- ✓ Authoritative analysis by a leading Tibet scholar with decades of research experience
- ✓ Concise and accessible despite the complexity of the subject matter
- ✓ Balanced presentation of both Tibetan and Chinese perspectives
- ✓ Includes a concrete proposal for resolving the conflict, adding policy relevance
- ✓ Provides essential historical context for understanding current tensions
Cons
- ✗ Some readers may find the proposed solution overly optimistic or controversial
- ✗ The book's brevity may leave specialists wanting more depth on certain events
- ✗ Published in 1997, it does not cover developments in the past two decades
- ✗ Focuses primarily on elite politics, with less on grassroots Tibetan society
- ✗ Assumes some prior knowledge of Chinese and Tibetan history
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Frequently asked questions
What is the main argument of 'The Snow Lion and the Dragon'?
Goldstein argues that the Tibet conflict stems from fundamentally incompatible positions on sovereignty and autonomy, and he proposes a negotiated solution based on genuine autonomy for Tibet within China, addressing both Tibetan cultural survival and Chinese strategic interests.
Is this book biased toward one side?
No, Goldstein is known for his balanced scholarship. He presents the historical context and perspectives of both the Tibetan exile community and the Chinese government, while offering a critical analysis of both.
Does the book cover recent events?
The book was published in 1997, so it covers events up to the mid-1990s. It provides essential background for understanding later developments but does not address the 2008 protests, subsequent self-immolations, or recent dialogue attempts.
Who is Melvyn C. Goldstein?
Melvyn C. Goldstein is a professor emeritus of anthropology at Case Western Reserve University and a leading scholar of Tibetan society and history. He has conducted extensive fieldwork in Tibet and written numerous influential books on the region.
Is this book suitable for a general reader?
Yes, the book is written in an accessible style and assumes no specialized knowledge, though some familiarity with modern Chinese or Tibetan history will enhance understanding. It is concise and clearly organized.
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