David C. Kang, a USC professor and co-author of "Beyond Power Transitions," explores the complexities of war and peace in East Asia, highlighting how historical interactions among China, Japan, Korea, and Vietnam challenge Eurocentric theories of international relations. He argues that many conflicts stem from internal dynamics rather than external aggression. Kang also critiques the notion of the 'Thucydides trap' in U.S.-China relations and emphasizes the importance of understanding longstanding regional stability alongside the continuous influence of historical legacies in shaping modern conflicts.