New Books Network Jeffrey Wasserstrom, "Vigil: The Struggle for Hong Kong" (Brixton Ink, 2025)
May 24, 2025
Amy Hawkins, Senior China correspondent for The Guardian and author of the foreword for Jeffrey Wasserstrom's book, dives deep into the significant protests in Hong Kong during 2019-20. She highlights the generational leadership of activists and the chilling effects of national security laws. The discussion touches on cultural erosion, the diaspora of Hongkongers, and parallels to other pro-democracy movements. Hawkins also reflects on the intricate Sino-British relationship and the challenges of documenting the ever-evolving political landscape in China.
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Impact of Hong Kong Security Laws
- The 2020 Beijing-imposed national security law drastically curtailed Hong Kong's freedoms by criminalizing vague offenses like secession and colluding with foreign forces.
- Over 500,000 Hong Kongers have left since 2021, signaling deep societal impacts and a significant diaspora forming worldwide.
Generational Divides Flattened by Crackdown
- Generational divides in Hong Kong's pro-democracy movement have largely flattened due to indiscriminate harsh crackdowns on dissent.
- Both moderate and radical activists face severe sentences, fostering unexpected solidarity among opponents of CCP rule.
Cultural Changes Amid Political Shifts
- Cultural shifts in Hong Kong include the promotion of Mandarin over Cantonese and the closure of independent bookshops, reflecting political pressures.
- These changes are gradual but signal a diffusion of Hong Kong's unique cultural identity into a diaspora.
