Critical Security and Chinese Politics

This book explores the application of European security theories to the Chinese Falungong issue, offering fresh insights into critical security studies and Chinese politics.

This book delves into how critical security approaches that have emerged in Europe can be applied to analyze a significant Chinese security issue: the case of the Falungong. By examining the anti-Falungong campaign launched in 1999, which was the largest security-related propaganda effort since 1989, the work highlights the complexities of security narratives in a global context. The campaign framed the Falungong practitioners as a severe threat to societal stability, leading to new security legislation and reported human rights violations against these individuals.

In Critical Security and Chinese Politics, the author employs three theoretical frameworks—securitization, the politics of insecurity, and emancipation—to investigate the implications of this campaign. By utilizing these varied approaches, the book seeks to avoid the pitfalls of favoring one perspective over another. Instead, it demonstrates how these frameworks can complement each other, providing a more nuanced understanding of security dynamics and encouraging ongoing discussions in the field of critical security studies.

Additionally, this work engages with broader philosophical questions surrounding theory development and research methodologies. It serves as a valuable resource for students and scholars interested in critical security studies, Chinese politics, and international relations, offering insights into how theoretical frameworks can be effectively applied beyond their original contexts. The discussions presented in Critical Security and Chinese Politics are essential for advancing research in these interconnected areas.