Pekingology Outsourcing Repression
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Jan 30, 2025 Dr. Lynette H. Ong, a Political Science Professor at the University of Toronto, discusses her book on state repression in contemporary China. She reflects on her nearly decade-long field research amid heavy political restrictions. Key topics include the role of community members in enforcing compliance, the troubling consequences of urban development, and the decline of trust during China's zero COVID policy. Ong's insights reveal the intricate dynamics of everyday governance and the darker side of China's rapid economic growth.
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Everyday State Power
- The Chinese Communist Party leverages everyday state power, often non-violent, to ensure policy compliance.
- This involves mobilizing trusted community members to exert social pressure, making repression feel like community work.
Mobilizing Society
- Unlike the Soviet Union's institutional repression, China mobilizes society for state objectives, like during the Cultural Revolution.
- This works because of existing social capital and trust, with individuals feeling empowered to contribute to the community.
Shanghai Arson Case
- Lynette Ong describes a Shanghai case where a real estate company used arson to force residents off valuable land.
- An elderly couple died, halting the project and leading to officials' removal, highlighting the risks of violent tactics.