This book analyses Chinas foreign policy from 1949 to 1976 through a cognitive-perceptual lens, emphasise Mao Zedongs central role as the primary decision making authority. Moving beyond realist frameworks, it highlights how Maos ideological worldviewshaped by his theory of contradictions, revolutionary zeal, and use of historical analogiesdrove Chinas foreign policy, particularly in relation to Vietnam. His subjective interpretation of global affairs, reinforced by Marxist-Leninist principles and Chinas historical identity, guided key strategic decisions. The study underscores the importance of individual leaders beliefs, perceptions, and psychological traits in shaping foreign policy, offering broader implications for understanding international relations through cognitive and psychological approaches.
Chapter 1: Introduction.
Chapter 2: How Leaders Think, Decide, And
Act.
Chapter 3: Lines In The Sand: The World According To Mao.
Chapter 4:
Crafting Chinas Place: Maos Cognitive World Order.
Chapter 5: Mao Zedong &
Vietnam: Biases Behind The Comradeship.
Chapter 6: Comrades & Strategy:
Vietnam In Maos Worldview.
Chapter 7: Conclusion.
Dr. Amrita Jash is Assistant Professor at the Department of Geopolitics and International Relations, Manipal Institute of Social Sciences, Humanities and Arts, at the Manipal Academy of Higher Education (Institute of Eminence) in India. She holds a Ph.D. in Chinese Studies from Jawaharlal Nehru University. She was a Pavate Fellow at the University of Cambridge and an IAS Visiting Fellow at Loughborough University. Dr. Jash is also the author of Chinas Japan Policy: Learning from the Past, and The Concept of Active Defence in Chinas Military Strategy.
