Thomas Metzger

Thomas Metzger was a prominent American sinologist, born in 1933 and passing away in 2025. As the son of German philosopher Arnold Metzger, he followed a distinct academic path, specializing in the intellectual and institutional history of China. His expertise spanned both premodern and modern periods, demonstrating a deep understanding of the country's complex historical landscape.

Metzger's career was marked by his affiliation with Stanford University's Hoover Institution, where he served as a senior fellow. His research evolved over time, shifting towards an examination of contemporary China's moral-political discourse and its historical underpinnings, with a particular focus on both China Mainland and Taiwan. In addition to his scholarly work, Metzger was a sought-after lecturer, delivering talks in English and Chinese across the United States, Europe, Taiwan, China, and Hong Kong, and also addressing U.S.–China policy issues in his writings.