Publication

This paper looks at the interplay between China's domestic and foreign policies under its new political leaders. In particular, it argues that Beijing's bellicose approach to its on-going maritime disputes is no accident. It stokes intense Chinese nationalism, which then helps the government bind together with its people. Such a tactic may make domestic sense, this paper concludes, but it can backfire internationally. It may reinforce the conviction that what is good for China may not necessarily be good for others.