Beyond the "Century of Humiliation"

A book review of “China Resurrected: A Modern Geopolitical History” by Frans-Paul van der Putten.

Abstract

Frans-Paul van der Putten's China Resurrected traces nearly two centuries of Chinese history, from the Opium Wars to today's great-power rivalry. The book's central argument is that modern China's story is a continuous, long-term effort to reclaim sovereignty after the "century of humiliation." By linking seemingly disparate eras—from the Qing dynasty to the Communist regime—the narrative highlights a shared national goal of achieving a strong, independent China. While the book effectively connects historical defeats to present-day nationalism, the review notes that its "straight line" narrative can oversimplify complex events, sometimes presenting history as an inevitable march toward "resurrection" rather than a messy, uncertain process. This broad, readable approach makes it an excellent introduction for new readers, though it may lack the nuanced detail sought by academic specialists.