The period from 1945-1955 was one of the most dramatic, creative and disruptive in China’s modern history. This period saw the end of the Sino-Japanese War (1937-1945), the collapse of the Guomindang, and the establishment of the People’s Republic of China. Yet this period has received relatively little scholarly attention. It is only recently that researchers have gained access to previously closed Chinese archives, and have been able to move beyond the dominant narratives and political biases of the Cold War. This makes the 1945-1955 period a particularly rich area for new research.

The organisers of this workshop welcome papers that cross the 1949 divide, as well as those working on just part of this time period. We wish to consider the changes and continuities in China from 1945 to 1955. How did Chinaʼs ideas and institutions (broadly defined) transition during this period? What kinds of local, national, and international transformations took place, and what remained the same? What happened to Chinaʼs place in the world during these years?

This two-day workshop will bring together postgraduate students working in history, international relations, politics, economics and other related fields. The workshop will provide an opportunity for these young scholars to present their work, and to collaborate with one another and with invited faculty: Professor Robert Bickers (University of Bristol), Professor Rana Mitter (Oxford University), Dr Tehyun Ma (Oxford University) and Dr Christian Hess (University of Warwick).

Abstract submission: Please e-mail a title and abstract of 300 words to Amy King and Jon Howlett at (Amy.King@politics.ox.ac.uk) by 29 July 2011. Successful applicants will be asked to submit a completed draft of their papers by 19 September 2011 for pre-circulation purposes.

This workshop is funded by the British Inter-University China Centre and the Leverhulme Trust's China's War with Japan Project at Oxford University.

There is no workshop participation fee, and all meals and accommodation for participants will be provided.