Reflections on the Ideas, Paradigms, and Methodologies of China Studies: Philip C. C. Huang and Modern China

Abstract

Since its inception almost fifty years ago, Modern China has kept pace with international scholarly trends and greatly influenced global academia. As the founder and editor of Modern China, Philip C. C. Huang’s editorial principles, scholarly ideas, and personal theories and methodologies have been prominently embodied in the themes and contents of the journal, which has guided the development, evolution, and changing currents in the field of China studies. Reflecting back on the older methodologies of China studies, Huang abandoned the existing theoretical framework of either/or binaries and, basing himself firmly in empirical practice, pursued a new perspective focusing on the interrelationships and interpenetrations between dualities. Huang’s work has laid out the path for the future development of theory and practice in China studies.