Linda Jaivin at Muse in conversation with ANU China in the World’s Yun Jiang about The Shortest History of China in Canberra.

In The Shortest History of China, Linda Jaivin distils a vast history into a short, readable account. She tells you what you need to know about China. From its philosophical origins to its political system, to the COVID-19 pandemic and where China is likely to lead the world.

Certainly, Chinese history is sprawling and gloriously messy. It is full of heroes who are also villains. With prosperous ages and violent rebellions, cultural vibrancy and censorious impulses, rebels, loyalists, dissidents and wits.

In addition, the story of women in China, from the earliest warriors to twentieth-century suffragettes, is rarely told. Historical spectres of corruption and disunity, which have brought down many a glorious ruling house. This continue to haunt the People’s Republic of China today. Modern China is as an economic powerhouse. It’s also an icon of urbanisation, a propaganda state or an aggressive superpower seeking world domination.

Meet Linda Jaivin at Muse in conversation with ANU China in the World’s Yun Jiang.