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Hong Kong’s Constructive Identity and Political Participation: Resisting China’s Blind Nationalism

    Research output: Journal Publications and ReviewsRGC 21 - Publication in refereed journalpeer-review

    Abstract

    This article argues that in order to understand how national identity and political activism are linked, it is necessary to replace the old dichotomy between civic and ethnic nationalism with a new one that distinguishes between a constructive and a “blind” identity. Hong Kong provides an illustrative case for the problems of having the former while also needing to promote the latter. While the local government seeks to promote active citizenry, it has since 1997 become part of an illiberal nation-state that seeks unconditional support. The 2014 Umbrella Movement was driven by and has shaped the students’ constructive Hong Kong identity because it raised the desire to actively participate as members of the local political community while it reduced interest in the Chinese national identity.
    Original languageEnglish
    Pages (from-to)306–324
    Number of pages19
    JournalAsian Studies Review
    Volume45
    Issue number2
    Online published1 Jun 2020
    DOIs
    Publication statusPublished - 2021

    Bibliographical note

    Full text of this publication does not contain sufficient affiliation information. With consent from the author(s) concerned, the Research Unit(s) information for this record is based on the existing academic department affiliation of the author(s).

    UN SDGs

    This output contributes to the following UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

    1. SDG 16 - Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions
      SDG 16 Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions

    Research Keywords

    • blind identity
    • China
    • Chinese identity
    • civic nationalism
    • ethnic nationalism
    • Hong Kong identity
    • political participation
    • Umbrella Movement

    Policy Impact

    • Cited in Policy Documents

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