This book reassesses Richard Nixon’s historic visit as the first American president ever to visit mainland China in 1972, personalizing the actors involved and exploring the event’s lasting impact.

Nixon’s visit signalled a dramatic change not only in U.S.-China relations but in the overall trajectory of America’s Cold War foreign policy. With this visit, Nixon set in motion a new phase of the relationship between the United States and the People’s Republic of China, which is still evolving today. The volume places this important moment in its proper historical context by examining the various intriguing actors involved, and analyzing the lasting impact of this trip on U.S. foreign relations. It examines different types of diplomacy, Nixon and Kissinger’s unique style of implementing foreign policy, and how the trip impacted the U.S., its Cold War allies, and China. With its primary focus on the American side of the story, this book also importantly examines the Chinese goals, preparations, and apprehensions.

This book will be of interest to students and scholars of U.S. diplomatic history, the Cold War and American Political History more generally.