World-Hegemonic Ascendancy and National Liberation Movements in Comparative Perspective

• In Event: 205 - Regular Session. Race and Ethnicity in the Capitalist World-System II

Abstract

Attempts to reshape the geopolitical configuration of the inter-state system have been an important part of world-hegemony building processes. One of the ways in which previous hegemonic powers - the United Provinces, the United Kingdom and the United States - transformed the geopolitical configuration of the inter-state system was through the inclusion of new nations into this system by co-opting, supporting or (sometimes) selectively leading a section of nationalist movements into independence. As of now, however, contemporary China does not seem to be following this historical trend. Although China during the Mao era was perceived as a champion of national liberation - at least when colonial and semi-colonial areas were at stake -, the PRC today is emerging as a champion of preservation of the global geo-political status-quo. In contrast to previous hegemonic powers, contemporary China is not interested at all in transforming the geopolitical configuration of the inter-state system and creating instabilities at different levels. Unlike previous hegemonic powers, in her rise to global preeminence, Chinese territorial integrity is being challenged due to rapid escalation of nationalist/secessionist movements within her territories, and her profit-making strategy is dependent on geopolitical stability. Hence, the PRC's foreign policy has consistently been concerned with creating and preserving macro-political stability at national and international levels.

Authors

• Sefika Kumral, Johns Hopkins University

• Sahan Savas Karatasli, Johns Hopkins University