China 1945

Praise

“Excellent. . . . [Bernstein] covers China’s political context in 1945 like a scholar, but maintains his journalist’s eye for human drama.”
—The New York Times Book Review

“An important book. . . . a cautionary tale at a time when the United States confronts a resurgent China, and its communist leaders, across the Pacific Ocean and wonders again if they can be believed.”
—The Washington Post

“If you read only one book on this crucial period, Mr. Bernstein’s work should be it.” 
—The Washington Times

“Skillfully crafted. . . . Bernstein is a talented storyteller. . . . Provides a rich account of just how far the Communist leaders went in wooing, and misleading, the Americans.”
—The Wall Street Journal

“Elegant and compelling. . . . This thoughtful book moves decisively beyond sterile old debates to demonstrate that in the end, China’s fate in 1945 was for the Chinese people, and not Americans, to decide.”
—Foreign Affairs

 “Authoritative and engaging.”
—NPR

“Extensively researched. . . . [Bernstein’s] findings about the limits of US influence in China are relevant to more recent American interventions in Iraq and Afghanistan.”
—The Christian Science Monitor

“A fascinating, sometimes harrowing account of an uncertain period…pointedly relevant to today’s global dilemmas as well.”
—Richmond Times-Dispatch

“A rich, compelling book told with subtlety and grace. For those interested in understanding how China went Communist in the middle of the 20th century, it is well worth the read.”
—David Sibley, Military History Quarterly

“Stimulating. . . . A timely analysis that sheds light on the realities of American engagement in Asia.”
—Publishers Weekly

“Thoroughly researched and well-argued. . . . highly recommended.”
—Library Journal

“Immensely readable. . . . A nuanced hindsight assessment that expertly pursues the historical ramification of roads not taken.”
—Kirkus

“Cogent and engaging.”
—Booklist

“The current rivalry between the United States and China for the dominant role in East Asia is rooted in a complicated history dating back to 1945. Richard Bernstein’s compelling and moving examination of U.S.-China relations during and immediately after World War II sparkles with fresh insights into the tragic events and colorful personalities of that era. A model of historical writing for non-specialist readers, its only fault is that once begun it is almost impossible to put down.” 
—Steven I. Levine, co-author of Mao: The Real Story

“The dramatic events of 1945 continue to shape American relations with China. Mao, Zhou Enlai, Stilwell, General George Marshall—these and other giant personalities come to life in these pages, as we relive the fateful choices events forced on them in a year of nonstop crises. The book offers a thoughtful examination of the roots of authoritarianism in China, the sources of Chinese-American mistrust, and the intractability of history.”
—Andrew J. Nathan, co-author of The Tiananmen Papers

“Richard Bernstein’s China 1945 is the rare book that under-promises on its title. The author goes far beyond delivering up that pivotal year, providing instead a learned and compelling narrative of the characters and forces that drove China and the United States apart and created today’s world.”
—Howard French, author of China’s Second Continent

“At the beginning of 1945, America had the chance to forge a good relationship with Mao and his Chinese communist rebels. Richard Bernstein’s fascinating and important tale of what happened provides crucial lessons about creative diplomacy that are still very relevant, both in dealing with China and around the world.”
—Walter Isaacson, author of Steve Jobs

“At a time when the United States and China are groping for a ‘new model’ of great power relations, Richard Bernstein’s stimulating and informative book casts essential light on the era that led to today’s challenge. China 1945 makes us more aware than ever of the hideous complexities of American involvement in East Asia, the importance of history and the limited perspectives of those who make fateful choices.”
—Jerome A. Cohen, co-director, NYU’s US-Asia Law Institute; adjunct senior fellow for Asia, Council on Foreign Relations