Renowned historian Paul A. Cohen died on September 15, 2025, in Boston at age 91. As a result, his China-centered perspective significantly transformed Western scholarship by challenging traditional Western-centric views of Chinese history. Moreover, he consistently emphasized listening to China rather than interpreting it through foreign frameworks.
Cohen, a US historian, also argued that Chinese modernization and reforms grew from domestic cultural heritage rather than merely reacting to Western influence. In addition, his influential book Discovering History in China highlighted the importance of understanding China on its own terms. Consequently, his work encouraged academics to adopt a China-centered perspective in their research.
Born in the United States, Cohen spent decades studying Chinese history and culture. Furthermore, his works, including History in Three Keys, explored multiple historical narratives while balancing official records, lived experiences, and mythologized accounts. Through this approach, he provided scholars and students with an empathetic lens to view Chinese history.
Cohen gained wide recognition in China, where Chinese publishers translated many of his books. In fact, scholars noted that his perspective inspired Chinese researchers to approach their own history with renewed confidence and critical thinking. Additionally, Cohen helped bridge cultural understanding by demonstrating that foreign academics can enrich domestic perspectives.
Experts also emphasized that Cohen’s China-centered perspective did not isolate China from global influences. Instead, it positioned Chinese people as active participants in history, highlighting their strategies, motivations, and struggles. Moreover, his approach challenged the idea that scholars could understand China’s history solely through Western theoretical frameworks.
Zhou Xueguang, Stanford University professor of Sociology, praised Cohen’s self-reflection and dedication, noting that few scholars achieved such cross-cultural impact. Similarly, Cohen credited his insights to the social and political climate of the 1970s, including reflection on US imperialism during the Vietnam War.
Looking ahead, Cohen’s methodology continues to influence Chinese and international scholarship. In addition, history programs now include his works as standard reading, and future generations adopt a China-centered perspective. Scholars hope that his approach will foster deeper global understanding and encourage respectful academic dialogue.
Ultimately, Paul A. Cohen’s life reminds the academic community that genuine scholarship requires empathy, cultural awareness, and the courage to challenge dominant paradigms. Therefore, his China-centered perspective continues to guide historians worldwide.
