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This test consists of 5 short answer questions, 10 short essay questions, and 1 (of 3) essay topics.

Short Answer Questions

1. The first major attempt to right things with China was led by Britain's Lord George ______.

2. China is referred to as being a ____ society.

3. China often referred to itself as the "Most ____ Nation."

4. Before the _____ War, China saw diplomacy and international trade as a way to express its preeminence.

5. In 1859, Frederick ____ arrived in Beijing.

Short Essay Questions

1. What does Kissinger say about the beginning of the decline of China?

2. What did China do to combat the threats from the Europeans?

3. What was the Taiping Rebellion? When did it take place?

4. According to Kissinger, the tale of the Yellow Emperor is the beginning of China as an entity. However, in Chinese legend, although no other history exists, the Yellow Emperor appears to have arrived to save China. What is the legend?

5. How does the existence and myth of the Yellow Emperor relate to the history of Confucius?

6. The Chinese are very involved in strategy. Examine the Chinese use of strategy and the types of games in which it is employed.

7. How and why does Kissinger compare Confucius to Machiavelli?

8. How did the Japanese culture compare and contrast to the Chinese culture?

9. Discuss China's long experience with naval expeditions and exploits.

10. How did China perceive Europe? What was Britain's goal?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Discuss the long and illustrious career of Henry Kissinger. How effective was Kissinger as Secretary of State? What are the man's opinions about the modern state of affairs between the United States and China? What else has Kissinger done in government? When did he retire? What other books have been written by Kissinger?

Essay Topic 2

Kissinger took his 40 years experience in working with China to present this book. Kissinger writes:

"This book is an effort, based in part on conversations with Chinese leaders, to explain the conceptual way the Chinese think about problems of peace and war and international order, and its relationship to the more pragmatic, case-by-case American approach. Different histories and cultures produce occasionally divergent conclusions. I do not always agree with the Chinese perspective, nor will every reader. But it is necessary to understand it, since China will play such a big role in the world that is emerging in the twenty-first century." (Preface, p. 11)

Why do you think the book was so important to Kissinger? Do you think it will change the American perception of the country? How can it help to bring the two countries closer together? How could Kissinger write about such a sensitive topic? Explain.

Essay Topic 3

Kissinger writes that the basic concept of foreign policy is that a country must be able to develop a dialogue with other countries in order to have the world succeed as a unit. This is even more important in this time of globalization as countries are expected to work together to strengthen a world economy. Why is this important? Why must the United States devote so much time and money to foreign policy? How does it affect globalization? How does it affect the United States economy? Explain.

(see the answer keys)

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