L'incontro tra Richard Nixon e Mao Zedong del 1972

Abstract

The meeting between Richard Nixon and Mao Zedong in 1972

The aim of this dissertation is to provide analysis of the meeting that took place in Beijing in February 1972 between Richard Nixon, as President of the United State of America (USA), and Mao Tse-Tung, the President of the People’s Republic of China (PRC). First, the analysis will present a brief historical introduction about the first part of the twenty century. In order to highlight the diplomatic issues which caused the postponement of this revolutionary meeting in 1972, this first section will focus on the conclusion of the Second World War and the beginning of the Cold War. Second, the examination of the political and cultural backgrounds of both USA and PRC will clarify the reasons that led to this event. Third, the study will underline and describe the main feature of the meeting considering both the so- called public opinion point of view and the behind-the- scenes activities. Finally, the study will stress the importance of the meeting as a symbolic event, that is the beginning of a new era in the relationship between USA and PRC.