There is no single volume that shines a light on Asia's collective involvement in the First World War, and the impact that war had on its societies. Moreover, no volume in any language explores the experiences Asian countries shared as they became embroiled, with divergent results, in the war and its repercussions. Asia and the Great War moves beyond the national or even international level by presenting a 'shared' history from non-national and transnational perspectives. Asian involvements make the Great War not only a true 'world' war but also a 'great' war. The war generated forces that would transform Asia both internally and externally. Asian involvement in the First World War is a unique chapter in both Asian and world history, with Asian participation transforming the meaning and implications of the broader conflict. Asia and the Great War also takes steps to recover memories of the war and re-evaluate the war in its Asian contexts. Asia's part in the war and the part the war played in the collective development of Asia represent the first steps of the long journey to full national independence and international recognition. This volume aims to bring the Great War more fully into Asian history and the people of Asia into the international history of the war, in the hope that the shared history could lay the groundwork for a shared future.

About the Author
Born in China, Xu Guoqi received a PhD in history from Harvard University. He taught in both China and the USA before moving to The University of Hong Kong. He is an internationally-renowned scholar with expertise on the international history of modern China, the Olympic movement, the First World War, and Sino-American relations. His current area of study is one which questions the notions of China and Chinese identity from the perspectives of a shared and transnational history.

Reviews
The book illuminates the dynamics that took place during negotiations during and after World War I, which provide disturbing justifications for present dynamics between Asia and the West, giving stark testimony to the ways historical events do indeed shape the future. ... [R]eaders wanting an overview of the complexity of dynamics the Great War provoked in Asia and the West will be impressed by the copious research and persuasive logic of this book. * Evelyn Ch'ien, Journal of East Asian Studies *
[P]rovides important detail and introduces lesser-known materials regarding Asia's involvement in what was essentially a European war fought among imperial powers using imperial resources around the world. * CHOICE *



Book Information
ISBN 9780199658190
Author Xu Guoqi
Format Hardback
Page Count 294
Imprint Oxford University Press
Publisher Oxford University Press
Weight(grams) 578g
Dimensions(mm) 240mm * 159mm * 22mm