Why is there such a large gap between Chinese self-image and other countries’ perceptions of the rising power? Why hasn’t China earned satisfying returns on its investment in improving its image? Why are civil relations between China and South Korea deteriorating while official relations seem to be improving?

In their book, Dr. Dong, a visiting scholar to the Saltzman Institute, and her co-authors address these and other questions. They take the ROK as a case study for the difficulties in improving Chinese national image, finding that psychological biases cause countries to see themselves in a better light than their neighbors see them.

Dr. Dong will present on her findings and her book on April 2nd, in a Weatherhead East Asian Institute talk co-sponsored by SIWPS and the Center for Korean Research. See Weatherhead’s website for more details.