Popular Protest, Nationalism, and Domestic‐International Linkages in Chinese Politics
Title
Popular Protest, Nationalism, and Domestic‐International Linkages in Chinese Politics
Author
Weiss, Jessica Chen
Research Area
Social Institutions
Topic
Government Systems
Abstract
The study of Chinese politics has become increasingly specialized, reflecting broader trends in social science that favor islands of knowledge that can be defended with rigor. Yet many phenomena of interest in Chinese politics are located at the intersection of comparative politics and international relations, where the two levels are connected and strategically linked. Nationalist, anti‐foreign protest is a good example, as Chinese officials must choose whether to repress or tolerate nationalist demonstrations based on domestic and international considerations. In turn, the decision to allow or stifle street demonstrations affects the degree of popular influence on Chinese foreign policy, constraining the government's diplomatic options or enhancing its flexibility. Ongoing research into the subnational patterns of Chinese nationalism and popular protest offers a promising avenue of inquiry. Combined with close qualitative assessments to identify mechanisms and processes, meso‐level investigations can provide additional leverage in the study of Chinese nationalism. Future research should aim to bring nationalism back into the mainstream study of state‐society relations in China, bridging the gap between nationalism and other varieties of social mobilization and political contestation.