The second edition of Modern Chinese History provides a concise narrative of Chinese history from the period 1644 to the present. Organized around the twin themes of Chinese cosmopolitanism and exceptionalism, it can easily supplement any history, international studies, cultural studies, or Asian studies course. It can also provide valuable background information necessary to understand contemporary Chinese politics, society, and economics. General readers wanting quickly to understand the collapse of the imperial system, the rise of Communism, and the role of China in our contemporary world will welcome this eminently readable text.