Thunder From the Silent Zone
Paul Monk
- Shortlisted for 2006 NSW Literary Awards - Gleebooks Prize
- Shortlisted for 2006 Age Book of the Year Awards - Non-fiction Prize
'This important book provides an Australian perspective on China's rise as a world power ... Above all, Paul Monk rejects the notion that China is a silent zone where dissent has no place. His appraisal is informed by a breadth of perspective and acuity of judgement.'
Stuart Macintyre & Sue Turnbull (The Age)‘This book seeks to challenge many of the perceived assumptions and fixed ideas that so often determine the way we think about China and its relationship with the rest of the world.’
(Australian Mosaic)‘Paul Monk’s forceful contribution to contemporary debate about China’s future is welcome for its readiness to address issues too often airbrushed out of discussion, whether in the political or academic world ... In siding with Taiwan, the author adopts an unfashionable position, which he supports with serious arguments while he is ready to look at the underbelly of China’s politics, which too many commentators tend to ignore. In a climate in which trade with China has become a touchstone for many commentators’ attitudes towards that giant nation, views such as Monk’s deserve to be heard.’
Milton Osborne (Weekend Australian)This important and highly original new book seeks to challenge many of the received assumptions and fixed ideas which so often determine the way we think about China and its relationship with the rest of the world.
Thunder from the Silent Zone begins with a sophisticated, thoroughgoing critique of Samuel Huntington’s influential ‘clash of civilisations’ hypothesis, and goes on to offer a radical rethinking of China’s delicate relationship with Taiwan and its ramifications for contemporary international politics. It then discusses many areas of Chinese life and experience, including its history, politics, economics, and human rights, as well as providing thoughtful analyses of Chinese film, music, and literature.
A clarion call for Taiwan’s right to an independent existence, and a subtle exploration of contemporary China and the way in which it influences and is influenced by the modern world, Thunder From the Silent Zone is an indispensable companion to anyone with an interest in the most populous nation on earth.
‘For anyone prepared to be challenged over their own and other competing mindsets, this is required reading.’
Dr Brian Ridge (Defender)‘an essential work.’
Matthew Lamb (Overland 182)Thunder from the Silent Zone 'offers a critical Australian perspective on the significance of China for our region.'
(New Zealand International Review)A loud call for political reform, Thunder from the Silent Zone is essential reading for any serious China watcher.
Kerry Hennigan (www.travelbeat.com.au)Paul Monk
Paul Monk was born and grew up in Melbourne, and took out a BA in European history at the University of Melbourne and a PhD in international relations at the Australian National University. He joined the Australian Department of Defence in 1989 and the Defence Intelligence Organisation in 1990, where he later became head of China analysis and chairman of the inter-agency working group on China. In 2000 he cofounded Austhink, a critical-thinking skills training and consulting firm in Melbourne.
Website: http://www.austhinkconsulting.com
Extent: 336pp
Size: 234mm x 153mm
ISBN (10): 1920769 374
ISBN (13): 9781920769376
RRP: $35.00
Pub date: October 2005
Status: Out of print
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