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Interpreting the Chinese Dream: An Exercise of Political Hermeneutics

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Abstract

Using an approach described as political hermeneutics, this paper interprets the Chinese Dream as a discourse that is historically and politically situated and contextualized within a number of other ongoing narratives and policies in China. This approach is especially apt because, in many respects, the purpose of the Chinese Dream is to round out while also reframe and reemphasize the Party’s longstanding vision of Chinese political and economic development, and to do so ahead of difficult reforms and transitions. Thus, we show how the Chinese Dream should be understood as being a part of a larger historical discourse and pressing needs for change. Consequently, we assemble and discuss the broader narratives that surround and suffuse the Chinese Dream and illustrate how it aims to function as a metanarrative—one that attempts a discursive “reset” under a new leader. As a positive discourse, the Chinese Dream aims to express official visions of the past, present and future; but it must also be understood as part of a web of activities designed to advance Party interests and the various challenges these face. Accordingly, we interpret the Chinese Dream in tandem with discussions of other recent developments, including what appears to be a national rectification campaign as Xi Jinping continues to consolidate power, curtail Party factions and corruption, discipline critics, and prepare the Party and nation for some measure of reform and, likely, some measure of more of the same.

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Notes

  1. See for example, Fredric Jameson [5].

  2. See, for example, Jiang Zemin [17], p. 123. The official English translation reads: “We need to respond to their two-handed strategy with a two-handed response…”

  3. “The Chinese Dream: The Role of Thomas Friedman” [20]. See also, “Xi Jinping’s Vision: Chasing the Chinese Dream” [15]. And, “China’s Future: Xi Jinping and the Chinese Dream” [21].

  4. “President Vows to Bring Benefits to People in Realizing “Chinese Dream” [26]. See also, Gui Tao [27].

  5. This is a summary and translation of the content of “Document No. 9” that was described to us by department leaders in a meeting during the spring term, 2013. As is sometimes the case in when such information is disseminated, no actual document was issued. All directives were provided verbally.

  6. She has made the comment in different forums. The first time we heard it was at a GIGA-sponsored conference in Hamburg, December 17, 2011, where she presented a paper titled, “The Velvet Fist in the Velvet Glove: Social and Political Control in Contemporary China” [45].

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  1. East China Normal University, No. 500 Dongchuan Road, Shanghai, People’s Republic of China, 200241

    Josef Gregory Mahoney

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Correspondence to Josef Gregory Mahoney.

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Mahoney, J.G. Interpreting the Chinese Dream: An Exercise of Political Hermeneutics. J OF CHIN POLIT SCI 19, 15–34 (2014). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11366-013-9273-z

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