Watson Events

The Theory Behind the Conflict: Nationalism Across the Strait

The Theory Behind the Conflict: Nationalism Across the Strait

Political theory offers approaches to investigate and understand foreign politics and international relations. In this panel, we seek to understand the concept of “nationalism” and how it applies to the Taiwan Strait conflict. What does “nationalism” mean in mainland China and Taiwan? How different are the two sides’ interpretations of this terminology and are these differences inherent or irreconcilable? We will break down the concept of nationalism and explore the historical forces driving the concept of nationalism and the impact that has had on cross-Strait relations, in addition to how the use of the term has changed over time and what the repercussions are for its use today. Professor Suisheng Zhao (U. of Denver) and Mau-Kuei Chang (Academia Sinica in Taipei) will be our guest panelists, and Professor Kerry Smith (Brown) will be moderating.

Location: Smith-Buonanno 201.