This major study analyses the traditional modes of Sino-Tibetan relations in order to unearth general patterns beyond partisan points of view. It sheds light on contemporary issues in the Sino-Tibetan dialogue, and discerns possible future structures for conflict resolution in occupied Tibet. With its economic reforms, China is changing and will change more in the near future, thereby expanding the scope for freedom and democracy. It is in such a context that several leading Chinese intellectuals have, since the early 1990s, called for a fresh examination of the history of Sino-Tibetan relations in order to determine the actual status of Tibet. This book is a Tibetan's contribution to this great debate. Tibet is often viewed in isolation from other developments in Asia or the West. This book, for the first time, analyses the Tibetan question within the context of international politics, especially the roles of Britain, India, the USA and Russia in paving peaceful ways to conflict resolution in Tibet.

    Introduction PART I Patterns of the Sino-Tibetan Past and Current Political Realities 1 The Origins of Tribute Relations and the Buddhist Factor in Sino-Barbarian Relations 2 The Warrior Kings of Tibet (624-842 AD) and Tang China (618-756 AD): The Strategic Factor 3 The Song Dynasty (960-1126) and the Buddhist Revolution in Tibet (842-1247): A Period of Benign Neglect 4 The Mongol Empire (1207-1368) and the Sakya Lamas (1244-1358): The Buddhist Factor in Operation 5 The Confucian Restoration in Ming China (1368-1662) and the Refeudalization of Post-Sakya Tibet (1337-1565): The Role of Karmapa in Tibetan Politics 6 The Manchu Empire (1662-1912) and the Gelugpa Hegemony (1642-1950): The Indigenous Instruments of Indirect Rule 7 The Rise of the Han Nation and the End of Indirect Rule: The Consequences of Non-Change in Tibet 8 The Anatomy of Tibetan Autonomy: An Agenda for the Twenty-first Century PART II China and Tibet in War and Peace 9 The Warrior Kings of Tibet and the Tang Dynasty 10 Imperial China and the Lama Rulers: Imperial Power, a Non-coercive Regime and Military Dependency 11 British Interpretations of Sino-Tibetan Relationships: The Genesis of Tibetan Autonomy and Chinese Suzerainty PART III Tibet in Communist China 12 The Problematics of the Sino-Tibetan Agreement of 1951 13 The 1959 Revolt: In Defence of the Value System 14 The Political Economy of Communist Rule: Strategic Developments 1951-1998 PART IV Tibet in International Politics 15 The Tibet Factor in Sino-American Relations 1948-1998: From Secret Service to Public Pressure 16 The Tibet Factor in Sino-Indian Relations: The Centrality of Marginality 17 Beijing, Taiwan and the Tibet Question: The Politics of Internal Differentiation PART V Tibet's Future 18 China's Dialogue with the Dalai Lama 1979-1998 19 Tibet's Possible Future Structures: The Dalai's and the Dissidents' Visions of Federation 20 Self-Determination in the Post-Con1munist Era: The Tibetan People's Case

    Biography

    Dawa Norbu

    'This is a courageous powerful work. It is incisive and informative ... this book is a must for every library.' - Economic and Political Weekly

    'Dawa Norbu has demonstrated a capacity for unconventional thinking that courageously questions and challenges accepted wisdom ... a compelling read ... an important and assertive book that should be read carefully by everyone interested in the subject.' - China Quarterly