The Art of State Persuasion

Why do nations actively publicize previously overlooked disputes? And why does this domestic mobilization sometimes fail to result in aggressive policy measures? The Art of State Persuasion delves into China's strategic use of state propaganda during crucial crisis events, particularly focusing on border disputes. Frances Wang aims to explain the diverse strategies employed in Chinese state media, analyzing why certain disputes are amplified while others are downplayed. This variation, as proposed, is contingent on the degree of alignment between Chinese state policy and public opinion. When public sentiment is more moderate than the state's foreign policy objectives, the government initiates a "mobilization campaign." Conversely, if public opinion is more hawkish than state policy, the authorities deploy a "pacification campaign" to mollify public sentiment.Through a comprehensive examination of medium-N and case-study analyses, Wang elucidates these arguments. The research incorporates extensive textual analyses of media reports, interviews with officials and journalists, and archival data. The book also illuminates the mechanics of mobilization and pacification media campaigns, enabling policy makers to distinguish varying state foreign policy intentions. This book not only acknowledges the significance of public opinion but also illustrates how fluctuating public sentiment is delicately managed by the state through diverse discursive tactics. By highlighting the existence and relevance of pacification campaigns, The Art of State Persuasion enhances our understanding of propaganda, and challenges the traditional view of China's propaganda as uniformly aggressive, bringing to light a more nuanced picture especially in the domain of foreign policy."This terrific book examines when, why, and how China engages in propaganda campaigns amid international crises. Through detailed empirical analysis and clever theorizing, Wang shows that China can launch such campaigns not just to mobilize public support for an assertive policy but also to pacify hardline public sentiment for a moderate approach. A timely and significant contribution to the literature on Chinese foreign policy."                                                —M. Taylor Fravel, Massachusetts Institute of Technology"Frances Wang highlights how the Chinese government uses media campaigns to align popular sentiment with its foreign policy goals, often in surprising ways. The book illuminates China's use of mass media to both mobilize and pacify opinions. Essential reading for anyone interested in Chinese foreign policy and the domestic sources of pressure on Beijing."                                                 —Jessica Chen Weiss, Cornell University"This lucidly written book argues that China's ostensibly aggressive and harsh rhetoric against foreign targets during diplomatic crises often aims at de-escalation, challenging conventional wisdom. A must-read for scholars interested in understanding China's foreign policy media campaigns."                                                 —Haifeng Huang, Ohio State University Read more