China's rich history is a seductive resource for China's modern politicians. But its complexity can also make it a selective one, says Kerry Brown.
The need for an ethical vision to hold society together saw China's former premier Wen Jiabao look to Adam Smith. What does this reveal about the elite's thinking, asks Kerry Brown.
A credible United Nations report on North Korea demands a humane and practical response to its people's degradation, says Kerry Brown.
The British prime minister's trip to China was presented as a mission to expand trade links with an important partner. But whose interests was he really representing, asks Kerry Brown.
China's policy incoherence has disturbing echoes of the prelude to Europe's great war in 1914, says Kerry Brown.
As Xiaoyu Pu says, human rights is no longer a taboo issue in China; justice never was. Discussing justice allows us to talk about the sort of issues that the rights discourse was meant to grapple with, but in a way which steers clear of cultural and value issues. A contribution to the openGlobalR
A new study of the inner workings of North Korea's regime is an important account of its dark political genius. But big states in the international system share the blame for its success, says Kerry Brown.
The scale of change in China, and the intriguing perceptions of China's elite, persuade Kerry Brown of the need to think afresh.
There's been too much lazy categorisation. It's time to get microscopic about power in China, says Kerry Brown.
China's new leader Xi Jinping has gathered more power more quickly than any of his predecessors. The big test now facing him will be to translate his concern about corruption into decisive action - and the early signs are promising, says Kerry Brown.
A new leadership in China will govern a system devoting huge resources to controlling its people and preserving its power. But the needs of the future require different tools and thinking, says Kerry Brown.
