Rational Nationalism on the Rise: The Origins and Consequences of Chinese Nationalistic Protest

About

Domestic Chinese nationalistic protest can be leveraged to change the behavior of other states. With a mix of grassroots initiation and government support, protest can escalate to violent actions particularly targeting historical grievances in bilateral relations with Japan, France, and the United States yet not arising with respect to Southeast Asian nations. The Chinese government response to these protests is based on signaling to the secondary state, how effective the protests are in achieving diplomatic gains, and the level of domestic stability. In several modern cases, this "rational nationalism" goes beyond signals to actual international negotiating leverage. This seminar will examine Chinese nationalism and foreign relations on three levels: first, when protest will arise in response to an international incident; second, what explains Chinese official response to nationalism based on signaling and concerns of domestic stability; and, finally, why outside states will change their behavior or policies in response to nationalistic protest in China.

Please join us! Coffee and tea provided. Everyone is welcome, but admittance will be on a first come–first served basis.