The Chinese occupation of Tibet is one of the world's hot-button issues, but the social and political realities of the situation are more complex than commonly acknowledged and change frequently over time. John Heath's overview lends perspective to this conflict through a calm examination of the situation as it stands, as well as reviewing how it has arrived at the present state of affairs. 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 under Chinese rule, from eroding cultural traditions and ecology to economic development. China's actions in Tibet, and explores the very real, and realistic, question of how to actually negotiate with China.