Event

This talk expands the study of state-society relations into the global arena by examining how migrant-sending states, particularly China, engage with their diasporas. Drawing on Migdal’s “state-in-society” theory, it introduces the concept of transborder symbiosis to illustrate the dynamic, interdependent relationships between grassroots actors, such as local officials and diaspora leaders. While existing research on diaspora politics focuses primarily on state-led transnational repression or the instrumental use of diasporas for economic and political purposes, this talk shifts attention to everyday symbolic interactions between these actors. Based on five years of ethnographic fieldwork in China and Europe, I argue that Chinese diaspora politics is shaped less by assertive national policies than by grassroots actors’ pragmatic efforts to navigate structural constraints and advance their own interests. Diaspora leaders and local officials create a symbolic façade of compliance with China’s geopolitical strategies, yet these performative actions can trigger unintended consequences, including controversies over alleged “secret police stations.” By introducing a sociological lens to geopolitics, this talk highlights the grassroots mechanisms behind Global China’s influence and challenges monolithic portrayals of its overseas power. These findings provide a nuanced framework for understanding state-diaspora relations, relevant also to other emerging powers like India and Turkey.

Open to all, informal lunch provided. This event is held onsite with a Zoom session. Please register below for Zoom access:

https://upenn.zoom.us/meeting/register/tJMsd-GtqzMtGNweC2W_STS99Zl5eiA_fIxR