Answer each of the following questions, in short essays of approximately 400-600 words each. Make sure that in your answer you draw sufficiently on the course readings to fully answer the question in terms of the arguments and evidence contained in the course readings.
1. Rebecca MacKinnon (“Networked Authoritarianism”) challenges the view that the internet and social media will liberate Chinese citizens from government control of public discourse. Brady and Wang (“China’s New Order”) go even further and suggest that a modernized propaganda system has yielded a new persuasive form of ‘popular authoritarianism.’ Do you find these views persuasive? Why? Why not? Consider the interview with the “Internet Commentator” in developing your answer
Readings must cite for this question,
Networked Authoritarianism, China’s New Order, and Internet Commentator
2. Ian Johnson argues (“Death and Life of China’s Civil Society”) that civil society perspectives help scholars to understand the socio-political changes underway in China. What is his argument and what evidence does he provide to support it? Does Tony Saich’s concept of “negotiating the state” help to understand how civil society matters in contemporary China? Does his article support Johnson’s argument?
Readings must cite for this question,
Death and Life of China’s Civil Society, and Negotiating the State
0 comments