China Panic: Australia's Alternative to Paranoia and Pandering
Author: Brophy, David
ISBN: 9781760642501
Publisher: La Trobe University Press
Year First Published: 2021
Pages: 272
Dimensions: 238mm x 154mm x 22mm
Format: Paperback / softback
Description
A better way to think about foreign influence and the nation's future
In 2014, Chinese president Xi Jinping said there was an 'ocean of goodwill' between our country and his. Since then, that ocean has shown dramatic signs of freezing over. Australia is in the grip of a China panic. How did we get here, and what's the way out?
In this brilliant book, David Brophy takes apart Australia's China debate - its strange alliances and diplomatic failures. Justified criticism of China has too often given way to paranoia and exaggeration. While the xenophobic right hovers in the wings, some of the loudest voices decrying Chinese subversion come, unexpectedly, from the left. They call for new security laws, increased scrutiny of Chinese Australians and, if necessary, military force - a prescription for a sharp rightward turn in Australian politics.
In China Panic, Brophy offers a progressive alternative. Instead of punitive moves and chest-beating that will only make Australia more like China, we need solutions and strategies that strengthen Australian democracy.
'China Panic is essential reading.'-Linda Jaivin, author of The Shortest History of China
ISBN: 9781760642501
Publisher: La Trobe University Press
Year First Published: 2021
Pages: 272
Dimensions: 238mm x 154mm x 22mm
Format: Paperback / softback
Description
A better way to think about foreign influence and the nation's future
In 2014, Chinese president Xi Jinping said there was an 'ocean of goodwill' between our country and his. Since then, that ocean has shown dramatic signs of freezing over. Australia is in the grip of a China panic. How did we get here, and what's the way out?
In this brilliant book, David Brophy takes apart Australia's China debate - its strange alliances and diplomatic failures. Justified criticism of China has too often given way to paranoia and exaggeration. While the xenophobic right hovers in the wings, some of the loudest voices decrying Chinese subversion come, unexpectedly, from the left. They call for new security laws, increased scrutiny of Chinese Australians and, if necessary, military force - a prescription for a sharp rightward turn in Australian politics.
In China Panic, Brophy offers a progressive alternative. Instead of punitive moves and chest-beating that will only make Australia more like China, we need solutions and strategies that strengthen Australian democracy.
'China Panic is essential reading.'-Linda Jaivin, author of The Shortest History of China
