Reading Suisheng Zhao’s treatise on “Foreign Policy Implications of Chinese Nationalism Revisited: the strident turn” brings the role of nationalism in foreign policy under focus. It focuses on the geopolitical relations between nations given their historical diplomatic relations and the change in foreign policy. The change in China’s foreign policy viewed as a retaliatory stance that is contrary to their previously subtle position and is used by its political leadership as a strategy to keep the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) in power.
Turning from a previously subtle stance, China’s heeding of the popular nationalist calls, by adopting an aggressive foreign policy, threatened to ruin its international relations. However, the banning of anti-foreign protests moderated the rising antagonism. In this respect, it is worth studying the extent to which nationalism influences the foreign policy in the contemporary world and the resulting diplomatic relations. It also prompts the need to assess the limit of nationalism in global politics and peace.
One surprising assertion that Zhao makes is that China’s political leadership under the communist party uses the popular nationalism as a strategy to escape the public eye that may scrutinize its performance. The claim that the Chinese government curtails democracy in leadership while preaching patriotism and loyalty needs further investigation.
Moreover, a retrospective look into the China’s use of economic sanctions against Philippines forcing Philippine to negotiate a deal, brings the role of economic interdependence in international relations under focus. The subservience of Philippine following a series of sanctions imposed by China necessitates an evaluation of the roles of economic sanctions and international relations.
While protecting a nation’s interests, sovereignty and rights remain an important role of any government, excessive popular nationalism is a dangerous foundation of foreign policy that may dent a nation’s diplomatic relations and threaten the world peace.
References
Zhao, Suisheng. "Foreign policy implications of Chinese nationalism revisited: The strident turn." Journal of Contemporary China 22.82 (2013): 535-553.
