The Identity Factor in Chinese Relations with Europe

""A ground breaking study that analyses how identity is an underlying driver of the evolving landscape in EU-China relations. Supported by an extensive bibliography, the book’s analysis blends conceptual thinking and empirical evidence in a nuanced way that offer valuable insights into contemporary Chinese foreign policy. A must-read for academics and practitioners alike."" - Paul Irwin Crookes, University of Oxford ""This new book by Dr Bjørnar Sverdrup-Thygeson is a ground breaking study that analyses how identity is an underlying driver of the evolving landscape in EU-China relations. In particular, the book traces a path that interconnects identity factors in both China and across Europe that fundamentally shape security perspectives of each side. Supported by an extensive bibliography, the book’s analysis blends conceptual thinking and empirical evidence in a nuanced way that is accessible to both the specialist and lay reader. The conclusions offer valuable insights into contemporary Chinese foreign policy that should be a must-read for academics and practitioners alike to better understand this key bilateral relationship."" - Paul Irwin Crookes, University of Oxford “There are many books on China these days but very few focus on the relations between China and Europe specifically, and even fewer study that relationship from a perspective that takes identity seriously. China and the Barbarian Civilization fills this gap skilfully. Strongly recommended!” - Ayse Zarakol, University of Cambridge “Achieves such an important project; bringing the ontological security of China to understand the Europe-China relations. This is a very powerful explanation, and done with strong historical sensibilities that are much neglected in IR-theorization.” - Chih-yu Shih, National Taiwan University “China and the Barbarian Civilization is an exciting new book that explores the complex relationship China has historically had with Europe. Bjørnar Sverdrup-Thygeson argues that International Relations as a discipline needs to focus much more centrally on questions of Chinese identity formation including, especially, the role Europe played in Chinese identity construction. This refocusing on identity is necessary in order to provide a more complex understanding of China’s historical, as well as contemporary policies toward Europe. Through a number of carefully executed case studies, this book persuasively demonstrates that a new lens is needed in understanding China/Europe relations. This is a very valuable addition to the scholarship on China, Europe, ontological security, and identity politics more broadly.” - Jelena Subotic, Georgia State University “A thoroughly fascinating, carefully researched book on China’s ontological security seeking in its relationship with the European Union. This book’s insights will help scholars and practitioners alike, appreciate or navigate the up-and-down relations between the EU and China (currently at a low with debates about ""de-risking"", power transition and incompatible values). Highly recommended reading for students of identity in foreign policy, power transition in international relations, Chinese foreign policy, European common and foreign security, and inter-civilisational dialogue.” - Reuben Wong, National University of Singapore