Ross Terrill, a prominent scholar and chronicler of Chinese affairs, passed away on August 2, 2024, at his home in Boston at the age of 85. His death was confirmed by Philip Gambone, a writer and collaborator. Terrill had been in declining health for several years.
Terrill's career spanned over six decades, during which he provided Western readers with unique insights into China's transformation. His journey began in 1964 when he first visited China as a young backpacker, a time when the country was largely closed to Westerners. This experience laid the foundation for his lifelong dedication to understanding and interpreting China's complex society and politics.
Throughout his career, Terrill witnessed and analyzed several pivotal moments in China's history. He was present during President Richard Nixon's groundbreaking trip to China in 1972, which marked the first visit by a U.S. president to the People's Republic of China. This event, occurring after the tumultuous Cultural Revolution (1966-1976), signaled a new era in Sino-American relations.
Terrill's work was characterized by his ability to blend high-level political analysis with insights into everyday Chinese life. He sought out conversations with farmers, shopkeepers, and laborers to build a comprehensive picture of China's successes and challenges under Communist rule.
"People are always the story."
As China's economic power grew, Terrill's perspective evolved. He recognized China's potential to become a global powerhouse while also highlighting the challenges posed by its authoritarian political system. In a 2010 essay for the Wilson Quarterly, he wrote:
"China also lacks a magnetic message for the world that could replace the American brew of democracy, free markets, pop culture, a near universal language, and innovation."
Terrill's views on China hardened following the Tiananmen Square protests in June 1989. He was present during this pivotal moment, arriving on the last international flight into Beijing amidst the demonstrations. The violent crackdown that followed left a lasting impact on his outlook.
Throughout his career, Terrill authored more than a dozen books and numerous articles. His works included "Mao: A Biography" (1980) and "China in Our Time" (1992). He held research and teaching positions at prestigious institutions such as Harvard University's Fairbank Center for Chinese Studies and Monash University in Melbourne.
Ross Gladwin Terrill was born on August 22, 1938, in Melbourne, Australia. He graduated from the University of Melbourne in 1961 with a degree in political science before pursuing his doctorate at Harvard University, which he completed in 1970.
Terrill's legacy extends beyond his academic achievements. In 2023, "Breaking the Rules: The Intimate Diary of Ross Terrill" was published, revealing his personal struggles as a gay man in academia during a less accepting era.
As China continues to play a crucial role on the global stage, Terrill's insights and analyses remain relevant. His work serves as a valuable resource for understanding the complexities of China's past, present, and potential future.