John Heath"s overview lends perspective to this conflict through an impartial examination of the situation as it stands, as well as to how it has arrived at the present state of affairs. Heath enquires into the origin of Mao Zedong"s influences, rise to power and eventual decision to invade Tibet and examines Chinese policy towards the country from Mao"s time right up to the recent change of administration headed by Hu Jintao. Simultaneously, Heath reports on the various changes Tibetans have faced in modern times, from eroding cultural traditions and ecology to economic development. The second part of the book addresses the contentious human-rights aspect to China"s actions in Tibet, and explores the very real, and realistic, question of how to actually negotiate with China.