Move over, history textbooks! Cambridge scholar Hans van de Ven is rewriting WWII narratives with a focus on Asia—and China’s game-changing contributions. 🎯 His upcoming book, inspired by family ties to wartime trauma, challenges Eurocentric views of the conflict.
🌍 "China's done a lot. It's trapped Japan," van de Ven tells us, drawing parallels between his Dutch grandfather’s WWII experience and China’s resistance against occupation. Unlike uninvaded nations like the US or UK, he argues, "countries that were occupied share a visceral understanding of war’s chaos"—a perspective missing from mainstream histories.
💡 Fun fact: This isn’t just about battles! The project dives into how Asian theaters shaped global outcomes, offering Gen Z a TikTok-era reboot of wartime history. Perfect for students cramming for exams or travelers exploring historic sites across Asia. 🧳✈️
