Hung-yok Ip provides a detailed examination of how the Mohists—a nonviolent and understudied social movement in ancient China—fought for social, economic, and political justice for the oppressed through negotiation processes. Working from a weak position in comparison to the ruling elites, the Mohists used a variety of non-adversarial negotiation and persuasion tactics—very unusual and experimental in their times—that focused on achieving collaboration to realize their goals. This interesting book brings the philosophy and tangible activities of this early group to life in a way that can definitely enhance today’s negotiation research and practice surrounding citizen-led activism on behalf of civil rights and justice.

Bertram I. Spector, editor-in-chief, International Negotiation: A Journal of Theory and Practice

Though less well-known, Mozi is as important a figure as Confucius for their time (ca. 500–400 BC). Mozi remains within the realm of Confucius’ thought and language but offers a sharp original critique of certain Confucian concepts such as heaven (tian) and benevolence (ren). To Mozi’s teachings, Ip offers a solid, useful, and reader-friendly introduction that will serve well the needs of most undergraduate classes on early Chinese philosophy. Ip’s effort to include Mozi in the broader category of activists against violence (such as Gandhi) is a stimulating new approach of particular relevance for our own time.

Moss Roberts, New York University