Collaborative Nationalism: The Politics of Friendship on China's Mongolian Frontier by Uradyn E. Bulag – A Deep Explorat

Introduction

In the vast and complex landscape of Chinese nationalism, the story of its minorities often remains untold. Collaborative Nationalism: The Politics of Friendship on China's Mongolian Frontier by Uradyn E. Bulag offers a groundbreaking perspective on how ethnic minorities navigate their place within a dominant national framework. This hardcover edition, published by Rowman & Littlefield Publishers, is a must-read for students of political science, history, and ethnic studies in India and beyond.

Book Overview

This deeply original study challenges conventional understandings of ethnicity and nationalism by introducing the concept of 'collaborative nationalism.' Instead of focusing on resistance or exclusion, Bulag explores the paradoxical dilemma of the Mongols in China—a minority group that fights not against being pushed away, but against being embraced too tightly in the bonds of 'friendship.' The book examines how this friendship, extended by the Chinese state, becomes a tool for political and cultural assimilation.

Key Highlights

• Innovative Concept: Introduces 'collaborative nationalism' as a new analytical framework for understanding minority-state relations.
• Triangular Perspective: Moves beyond binary relationships to examine the complex interactions among China, Japan, Mongolia, and Russia over the Mongol heritage.
• Rich Case Studies: Explores a diverse array of subjects, from the legacy of Chinggis Khan to reincarnate lamas, minority cadres, and revolutionary history.
• Global Significance: Traces how the Mongols have been central to the national identity projects of multiple competing powers.

Inside the Book

Bulag takes readers on a journey through the Mongolian frontier, where politics and friendship intertwine. The book delves into how the Chinese state uses the rhetoric of brotherhood and unity to incorporate the Mongols, while the Mongols themselves negotiate their identity through collaboration, adaptation, and subtle resistance. Each chapter unpacks a different facet of this dynamic, from the appropriation of Mongol symbols by rival nations to the personal stories of individuals caught between loyalty and autonomy.

Key Topics

• Ethnicity and nationalism in modern China
• The politics of friendship and collaboration
• Mongol identity and heritage in a global context
• Competition among China, Japan, Mongolia, and Russia for Mongol allegiance
• Role of historical figures like Chinggis Khan in contemporary politics
• Minority revolutionary history and cadre politics

Reader Benefits

• Gain a nuanced understanding of how ethnic minorities operate within authoritarian states.
• Learn about a unique triangular framework that illuminates regional power struggles.
• Discover how friendship can be both a tool of oppression and a strategy for survival.
• Access rare insights into Mongolian culture and its political significance.
• Enhance your academic or professional knowledge of nationalism and postcolonial studies.

Learning Outcomes

• Understand the theoretical concept of collaborative nationalism and its applications.
• Analyze the complex relationships between minority groups and dominant nation-states.
• Evaluate the role of historical memory in shaping contemporary ethnic politics.
• Critically assess the dynamics of friendship and power in international relations.
• Develop a comparative perspective on nationalism relevant to Indian and Asian contexts.

Who Should Read

This book is ideal for university students and scholars in political science, sociology, history, anthropology, and Asian studies. It is also invaluable for policymakers, journalists, and anyone interested in understanding the intricate politics of China's frontier regions. Indian readers, in particular, will find parallels and contrasts with their own diverse ethnic landscape, making it a thought-provoking addition to any library.

About the Author

Uradyn E. Bulag is a leading scholar of Mongolian studies and anthropology. He has written extensively on ethnicity, nationalism, and the politics of identity in Inner Asia. His work is known for its theoretical depth and ethnographic richness, offering fresh perspectives on how minorities navigate state power.

About the Publisher

Rowman & Littlefield Publishers is a prestigious academic press known for publishing high-quality works in the humanities and social sciences. This hardcover edition ensures durability and a premium reading experience for students and researchers.

Conclusion

Collaborative Nationalism is a vital contribution to the study of ethnicity and power. By reframing minority politics through the lens of friendship, Uradyn E. Bulag opens up new ways of thinking about nationalism in China and beyond. Whether you are a scholar or a curious reader, this book will challenge your assumptions and deepen your understanding of one of the world's most complex regions. Order your copy from Bookshops.in today.