THE STAR RAFT: China's Encounter with Africa

by Philip Snow ‧ RELEASE DATE: Aug. 1, 1988

Snow, son of distinguished British author C.P. Snow, has constructed an exceptionally fine approach to the understanding of international relations. Though his book focuses on the long history of contacts between China and Africa, its fresh and heuristic perspective deserves to become an integral part of any nation's dealing with other countries. In recounting the centuries-long series of contacts between Chinese and Africans, Snow builds up with impressive but not overwhelming detail a solid understanding of the pertinent historical, cultural, political, and economic forces at work in both areas. He imparts a feel for and awareness of Chinese perceptions of Africans, and vice-versa, exploring the effect of stereotypes, doctrine, and dogma--especially those involving race, culture, politics, and economics--on the conduct of trade and policy. Americans exasperated with the ineptitudes of US foreign policy will find some relief in the track record of blunders compiled by not only the Chinese and Africans, but by Russians and Europeans as well. Well-written, solidly researched, Snow's examples of basic problems, adjustments, and solutions can prove of inestimable value in coping with the stresses bound to occur as ""underdeveloped"" countries learn to cooperate in increasingly united blocs. And its approach should become a guide for the most fundamental step in relationships: to try to understand, at least, the other as they understand themselves and you.

Pub Date: Aug. 1, 1988

ISBN: N/A

Page Count: -

Publisher: Weidenfeld & Nicolson

Review Posted Online: N/A

Kirkus Reviews Issue: July 15, 1988

Categories: NONFICTION