Collaborative Nationalism

This book explores the concept of collaborative nationalism, focusing on the complexities faced by Mongols as they navigate identity and relationships with other nations.

In Collaborative Nationalism, Uradyn E. Bulag presents a thought-provoking exploration of cosmopolitanism and friendship as critical lenses for understanding ethnicity and nationalism. He introduces the innovative concept of 'collaborative nationalism' to address the complexities faced by minorities in China. Rather than merely resisting exclusion, these groups grapple with the challenges posed by being overly embraced in the guise of friendship. This nuanced approach allows for a deeper understanding of the intricate dynamics at play in regional interactions.

Bulag's work delves into the historical and contemporary significance of the Mongols, examining how various nations—China, Japan, Mongolia, and Russia—compete to claim Mongol heritage as a means to reinforce their national identities. Through a diverse array of case studies, ranging from the legacy of Chinggis Khan to modern interethnic adoption practices, Collaborative Nationalism reveals the underlying tensions that often accompany so-called friendship and collaboration. Bulag's analysis uncovers the animosities and conflicts that these relationships can generate, providing a richer context for understanding the ethnopolitical landscape.

Ultimately, Bulag argues that the essence of nationalism is not solely about identity but is also about the ability of an ethnic group to shape its own narrative and vision. By adopting this triangular perspective, Collaborative Nationalism challenges traditional binary views and invites readers to reconsider the collaborative nature of nationalism and its implications for sovereignty and self-determination.