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China, up to 50 years ago, was completely non-homogenous, being compartmented into groups divided against each other. The war-making tendency was almost non-existent, as they still followed the tenets of the Confucian ideal of pacifist culture. At the turn of the century, under the regime of Chang Tso Lin, efforts toward greater homogeneity produced the start of a nationalist urge. This was further and more successfully developed under the leadership of Chiang Kai-Shek, but has been brought to its greatest fruition under the present regime to the point that it has now taken on the character of a united nationalism of increasingly dominant, aggressive tendencies.

Douglas MacArthur#22

WarPeaceHistoryAggressionCultureNationalism

About this quote

What does it mean?
China was historically non-homogenous and pacifist. Nationalist urge and homogeneity under various regimes led to dominant, aggressive tendencies.
In plain terms
China used to be divided and peaceful but unity led to a strong aggressive nationalism.
What can you take from it?
National unity can shift a culture from pacifism to aggression.

Where it applies

  • international relations
  • historical analysis
  • foreign policy

Putting it to work

  • monitor nationalist trends
  • understand historical shifts
  • assess threats

Questions to consider

  • How does unity affect national character?
  • Is nationalism inherently aggressive?

Another view

Nationalism does not always lead to aggression.

More from Douglas MacArthur

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  2. The Japanese people, since the war, have undergone the greatest reformation recorded in modern history. With a commendable will, eagerness to learn, and marked…

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  3. In this situation, it becomes vital that our own country orient its policies in consonance with this basic evolutionary condition rather than pursue a course b…

    Permalink to quote #20

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