China’s New Nationalism: An Overview
1. Introduction
In recent years, China has been flexing its muscles on the global stage. Its economic rise has been accompanied by a more assertive foreign policy, and it has started to challenge the United States’ position as the preeminent power in Asia. This new assertiveness is often referred to as “China’s new nationalism.”
In his book “China’s New Nationalism,” Peter Hays Gries seeks to provide fresh insight into this phenomenon. Gries is a professor of political science at the University of Colorado Boulder and director of the school’s Center for Chinese Studies. He is also a former Fulbright scholar in Beijing.
Gries’ book is divided into three parts. The first part provides an overview of China’s new nationalism. The second part looks at the drivers of this nationalism. And the third part explores the consequences of China’s new nationalism.
2. China’s New Nationalism: An Overview
Gries begins by defining nationalism. He notes that there is no single definition of nationalism, but that it can be generally described as a “political movement or ideology that emphasizes national unity and pride.” (p. 3) He further argues that nationalism is “a way of imagining the political community” and that it “creates and sustains particular forms of social cohesion and political obligation.” (p. 4)
Gries then turns to a discussion of China’s nationalist history. He notes that Chinese nationalism has its roots in the late 19th century, when China was undergoing a period of Western imperialism. At that time, Chinese nationalists were focused on expelling the foreigners and restoring China to its former glory.
This brand of nationalism continued into the 20th century and was further fueled by Japan’s invasion of China in 1937. During this time, Chinese nationalists began to view China as being under assault from both internal and external enemies. They also began to see themselves as being on the front line in the struggle against these enemies.
After 1949, when the Communist Party came to power in China, the focus of Chinese nationalism shifted from expelling foreigners to defending socialism. This change was largely due to the fact that the Communist Party saw itself as leading a global revolution against capitalism, with China at the forefront. Consequently, Chinese nationalists came to see their country as being locked in a battle with the United States and other Western powers.
In recent years, there has been a shift back to a more traditional form of Chinese nationalism. This shift began in 1989 with the Tiananmen Square protests, which were seen by many as a challenge to Communist Party rule. In the aftermath of these protests, Chinese nationalists began to view the Party as being too weak and corrupt to defend China against its enemies. They also began to call for a return to traditional values and for an end to modernization programs that they saw as leading to moral decay.
Since then, there has been a resurgence of patriotic education campaigns and official rhetoric about restoring China to its rightful place in the world. This new brand of Chinese nationalism is often referred to as “neo-nationalism” or “post-socialist nationalism.” (p. 9) It is characterized by a focus on defending China against both internal and external enemies, including corruption, moral decay, and foreign interference in China’s affairs.
3. The Drivers of China’s New Nationalism
Gries argues that there are four main drivers of China’s new nationalism: economic insecurity, social change, international relations, and domestic politics.
First, Gries argues that economic insecurity is a major driver of China’s new nationalism. He notes that China’s economic transformation has led to rising inequality and increased economic insecurity for many Chinese citizens. This insecurity has been further compounded by the global financial crisis of 2008, which hit China hard. In response to this economic insecurity, Chinese nationalists have called for greater state intervention in the economy and for an end to policies that they see as benefiting foreign interests at the expense of the Chinese people.
Second, Gries argues that social change is another major driver of China’s new nationalism. He notes that China’s economic transformation has led to massive social changes, including urbanization, increased education levels, and the rise of a new middle class. These changes have created a more open and diverse society, which has given rise to new social norms and values. In response to these changes, Chinese nationalists have called for a return to traditional values and for the defense of China’s socialist system.
Third, Gries argues that international relations is a third driver of China’s new nationalism. He notes that China’s rise has led to increasing tensions with the United States and other Western powers. In response to this tension, Chinese nationalists have called for a more assertive foreign policy and for an end to what they see as foreign interference in China’s affairs.
Finally, Gries argues that domestic politics is a fourth driver of China’s new nationalism. He notes that the Communist Party has used nationalist rhetoric to legitimize its rule and to deflect criticism of its policies. In addition, he argues that nationalist movements can be found across the political spectrum in China, including among liberals, conservatives, and radicals.
4. The Consequences of China’s New Nationalism
Gries argues that there are four main consequences of China’s new nationalism: rising tension with the United States, increased hostility towards Japan, greater assertiveness in territorial disputes, and a more belligerent attitude towards Taiwan.
First, Gries argues that rising tension with the United States is a consequence of China’s new nationalism. He notes that Chinese nationalists have increasingly accused the United States of seeking to contain China’s rise and of interfering in China’s affairs. In response to these accusations, Chinese nationalists have called for a more assertive foreign policy and for an end to what they see as American “hegemonic” ambitions in Asia.
Second, Gries argues that increased hostility towards Japan is another consequence of China’s new nationalism. He notes that Chinese nationalists have increasingly accused Japan of revisionism and militarism. They have also accused Japan of failing to properly apologize for its actions during World War II. In response to these accusations, Chinese nationalists have called for a more assertive foreign policy towards Japan and for an end to what they see as Japanese “hegemonic” ambitions in Asia.
Third, Gries argues that greater assertiveness in territorial disputes is a third consequence of China’s new nationalism. He notes that Chinese nationalists have increasingly called for a tougher stance in territorial disputes with Japan, India, and Vietnam. They have also been critical of what they see as weakness on the part of the Chinese government in these disputes.
Finally, Gries argues that a more belligerent attitude towards Taiwan is a fourth consequence of China’s new nationalism. He notes that Chinese nationalists have increasingly accused Taiwan of moving towards independence and of seeking to split China. In response to these accusations, Chinese nationalists have called for a tougher stance on the issue of Taiwan and for an end to what they see as Taiwanese “separatist” ambitions.
5. Implications for the United States
Gries argues that China’s new nationalism has several implications for the United States. First, he argues that the United States will need to rethink its approach to China. He notes that the United States has traditionally sought to engage China in order to promote liberalization and reform. However, he argues that this approach is no longer likely to be effective in light of China’s new nationalism. Second, Gries argues that the United States will need to develop a new strategy for managing its relations with China. He notes that the United States will need to find a way to balance its interests in maintaining stability in Asia with its interests in promoting democracy and human rights. Third, Gries argues that the United States will need to be prepared for a more confrontational relationship with China. He notes that China’s new nationalism is likely to lead to increased tensions between the United States and China and that these tensions could erupt into conflict.
6. Conclusion
In conclusion, Gries’ book provides a detailed and insightful look at China’s new nationalism. It is very well researched and provides a wealth of information on the subject. It is also very well written and easy to follow. Overall, it is an excellent resource for anyone interested in understanding this phenomenon.