From Tradegy to Strategy: China’s Instrumentalization  of Historical Events in International Diplomacy

This thesis explores how the Chinese government strategically instrumentalizes historical events to achieve its international diplomatic objectives and goals. The analysis focuses on the Nanjing Massacre and the Flying Tigers and how the Chinese government portrays these historical events to the international audience. The Chinese government is deploying their memory diplomacy of Nanjing Massacre and Flying Tigers with four patterns that they apply in most articles, commemorations, speeches and memory halls targeted at the international audience. Firstly, the selectiveness of their history narrative. Secondly, the repetitiveness of the Chinese narrative, Thirdly, the implementation of testimonies of younger generations, victims, descendants of victims and participants. Lastly, the emphasis on international actors involved in the historic events. By examining these patterns, the thesis concludes that the Chinese government strategically constructs and leverages their narrative to...Show moreThis thesis explores how the Chinese government strategically instrumentalizes historical events to achieve its international diplomatic objectives and goals. The analysis focuses on the Nanjing Massacre and the Flying Tigers and how the Chinese government portrays these historical events to the international audience. The Chinese government is deploying their memory diplomacy of Nanjing Massacre and Flying Tigers with four patterns that they apply in most articles, commemorations, speeches and memory halls targeted at the international audience. Firstly, the selectiveness of their history narrative. Secondly, the repetitiveness of the Chinese narrative, Thirdly, the implementation of testimonies of younger generations, victims, descendants of victims and participants. Lastly, the emphasis on international actors involved in the historic events. By examining these patterns, the thesis concludes that the Chinese government strategically constructs and leverages their narrative to shape the global perception, assert its role in the international affairs, and advance their diplomatic goals.Show less

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From Tradegy to Strategy: China’s Instrumentalization of Historical Events in International Diplomacy