We still insist, by and large, in thinking that we can understand China by simply drawing on Western experience, looking at it through Western eyes, using Western concepts. If you want to know why we unerringly seem to get China wrong... this is the reason. Martin Jacques chinaconceptdraw share on social
The fact that hardly anyone is ever prepared to admit to racist behaviour is perhaps a sort of strength: it speaks to the fact that racism is socially inadmissible. Martin Jacques admitbehaviourfact Change image and share on social
Israel is the agent and surrogate of the United States and as such is treated entirely differently from every other country in the region. How can anyone expect Iran to accept that it is right for Israel to have nuclear weapons while itself being disallowed? Martin Jacques acceptagentcountry share on social
Without doubt, Malaysia is the great economic star of the Muslim world. Martin Jacques doubteconomicgreat Change image and share on social
When I am back in old Blighty, I am surrounded by the old and familiar concerns: New Labour, Europe, the Middle East and the rest. If you live in Britain, you will know what I mean - except you won't, because you will take it for granted that this is what the world is all about. Martin Jacques backblightybritain share on social
For 200 years, the dominant powers have also been the colonial powers: the European countries, the U.S. and Japan. They have never been required to pay their dues for what they did to those whom they possessed and treated with contempt. Martin Jacques colonialcontemptcountry share on social
Google will be obliged either to accept Chinese regulations or exit the world's largest Internet market, with serious consequences for its long-term global ambitions. This is a metaphor for our times: America's most dynamic company cannot take on the Chinese government - even on an issue like free and open information - and win. Martin Jacques acceptambitionamerica share on social
Australia - not western in geography, of course, but in every other respect for sure (it certainly doesn't want to be regarded as Asian, God forbid) - loves nothing more than to throw its weight around in South-East Asia by playing peacekeeper, carrying out its role as the United States' regional policeman. Martin Jacques asiaasianaustralia share on social
Europe must learn to live in and with the world, not to dominate it nor to assume it is superior or more virtuous. Martin Jacques assumedominateeurope Change image and share on social
Labour was always aligned with the U.S. during the Cold War, but the ignominious implosion of communism reinforced the belief that no alternative to the prevailing common sense was possible. Martin Jacques alignalternativebelief Change image and share on social