Chinese Nationalism and Its Challenge to Democratic Citizenship

• In Event: Philosophical, Historical, and Global Understandings of Citizenship Education

Abstract

This paper examines the rising populist nationalism in China, how it is economically driven and complicates the democratic pursuit. I argue that the nationalist patriotism boosted by economic growth and the theoretical justification for the China model work against democratic development.To respond to or combat nationalism, most importantly, we need to better understand China’s present and reclaim its modern accomplishments; while recognizing the economically boosted national pride, we reaffirm a need for democracy and democratic citizenship.

Author

• Tianlong (Tian) Yu, Southern Illinois University - Edwardsville