China: Up Close and Personal - A Conversation with Karl Gerth

This book is based on an in-depth conversation between Howard Burton and Hwei-Chih and Julia Hsiu Chair in Chinese Studies and Professor of History at UC San Diego. This wide-ranging conversation covers the emerging American-style consumer culture of China which is revolutionizing the lives of hundreds of millions of Chinese, how it has transformed its economy and lifestyle and has the potential to reshape the world, and the different environmental issues that China is grappling with. This carefully-edited book includes an introduction, Full Circle, and questions for discussion at the end of each chapter: I. Filling in the World - Young Karl heads abroad II. History and Demography - A brief examination of what we mean by “modern China: and the importance, and possible origin, of China’s large population III. Contemporary China - Change at breakneck speed IV. Environmental Issues - And associated political aspects V. Societal Values - And how they are changing VI. Catastrophic Scenarios - And how they might be addressed VII. Ever Onwards - Towards a deeper understanding About Ideas Roadshow Conversations: This book is part of a series of 100 Ideas Roadshow Conversations. Presented in an accessible, conversational format, Ideas Roadshow books not only explore frontline academic research featuring world-leading researchers but also reveal the inspirations and personal journeys behind the research.