Samantha A. Vortherms, an Assistant Professor at UC Irvine, dives deep into China's hukou system. She discusses how authoritarian regimes manipulate citizenship to control rights access, revealing stark inequalities in socio-economic privileges. Vortherms also highlights the plight of internal migrants and the systemic hurdles they face. Through compelling examples, she explores the balance between political stability and economic development, unpacking the intricate relationship between local governance, security, and citizenship.

Samantha A. Vortherms, an assistant professor at UC Irvine, explores the manipulative nature of citizenship in authoritarian China. She delves into the hukou system, revealing how it creates inequality and affects access to resources. Vortherms contrasts internal migrants' challenges with undocumented workers in California, showcasing complex dynamics of inclusion and exclusion. The discussion also highlights urban migration policies and the government's attempts to reform hukou while maintaining regional disparities. Her insights challenge simplistic views of victimhood in society.