Bristol University Press
Introduction: Narrative and Europe–China Relations
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Steven Langendonk
Abstract
Uncertain times invite individuals and societies to adjust the narratives they use to relate to self and other. In the Introduction to this volume, I outline the narrative approach to relations between Europe and China and address three questions that animate the volume: how we can understand the role of stories in these relations; how a narrative perspective aids these efforts; and what a narrative perspective adds to the conduct of these relations. Regarding the first question of relations, I discuss four different conceptions of narrative that are grounded in structure, agency, identity and power. Regarding the second question, I note that the narrative approach can address the irrevocably perspectival character of social inquiry and combat reification, provided we play close attention to the link between methodology and methods. Finally, on the implications for practice, I argue that the narrative approach requires us to carefully consider the scholar’s role in the politics of Europe–China relations and question stories that restrict public debate and close off reasonable policy choices.
Abstract
Uncertain times invite individuals and societies to adjust the narratives they use to relate to self and other. In the Introduction to this volume, I outline the narrative approach to relations between Europe and China and address three questions that animate the volume: how we can understand the role of stories in these relations; how a narrative perspective aids these efforts; and what a narrative perspective adds to the conduct of these relations. Regarding the first question of relations, I discuss four different conceptions of narrative that are grounded in structure, agency, identity and power. Regarding the second question, I note that the narrative approach can address the irrevocably perspectival character of social inquiry and combat reification, provided we play close attention to the link between methodology and methods. Finally, on the implications for practice, I argue that the narrative approach requires us to carefully consider the scholar’s role in the politics of Europe–China relations and question stories that restrict public debate and close off reasonable policy choices.
Chapters in this book
- Front Matter i
- Contents v
- List of Figures and Tables vii
- Notes on Contributors ix
- Preface xii
- Introduction: Narrative and Europe–China Relations 1
- The Return of Security: Shifting Perceptions of the State(craft) in UK–China Relations 17
- Clashing Narratives over Italy’s Adhesion to the Belt and Road Initiative: A Critical Discourse Analysis Approach 36
- The ‘Iron Friendship’ and the ‘Long and Winding Road’: Narrating Sino-Serbian Relations on the Borders of the EU 57
- The Unicorn, the Dragon and the Storytellers: Comparing Praxes of Narrating China in EU Foreign Policy 75
- China, Europe and Dual Circulation: Emerging Narratives of China’s New Economic Model 93
- The Politics of Human Rights between China and the EU 113
- The Narratives of Counterterrorism and the Prospects of EU–China Security Cooperation 132
- The Role of Science and Technology in UK Narratives about China: The Case of Synthetic Biology 154
- From Academic Partner to ‘Academic Threat’: German and UK Media Framing of European–Chinese Academic Cooperation since Xi Jinping Came to Power 173
- Exploring the Limits of Soft Power: Sentiments and Narratives on China in Turkish Social Media and Political Speeches of Elites 199
- Chosen Traumas: China’s Everlasting Century of Humiliation and Sino-European Relations 225
- The Weight of History: Competing Narratives in the Context of a Rising China 244
- Conclusion: Narratives and China–Europe Relations 264
- Index 273
Chapters in this book
- Front Matter i
- Contents v
- List of Figures and Tables vii
- Notes on Contributors ix
- Preface xii
- Introduction: Narrative and Europe–China Relations 1
- The Return of Security: Shifting Perceptions of the State(craft) in UK–China Relations 17
- Clashing Narratives over Italy’s Adhesion to the Belt and Road Initiative: A Critical Discourse Analysis Approach 36
- The ‘Iron Friendship’ and the ‘Long and Winding Road’: Narrating Sino-Serbian Relations on the Borders of the EU 57
- The Unicorn, the Dragon and the Storytellers: Comparing Praxes of Narrating China in EU Foreign Policy 75
- China, Europe and Dual Circulation: Emerging Narratives of China’s New Economic Model 93
- The Politics of Human Rights between China and the EU 113
- The Narratives of Counterterrorism and the Prospects of EU–China Security Cooperation 132
- The Role of Science and Technology in UK Narratives about China: The Case of Synthetic Biology 154
- From Academic Partner to ‘Academic Threat’: German and UK Media Framing of European–Chinese Academic Cooperation since Xi Jinping Came to Power 173
- Exploring the Limits of Soft Power: Sentiments and Narratives on China in Turkish Social Media and Political Speeches of Elites 199
- Chosen Traumas: China’s Everlasting Century of Humiliation and Sino-European Relations 225
- The Weight of History: Competing Narratives in the Context of a Rising China 244
- Conclusion: Narratives and China–Europe Relations 264
- Index 273
