History and Nationalist Legitimacy in Contemporary China

The book explores the Chinese Communist Party's (CCP) use of nationalism to legitimize its rule through historical narratives. It distinguishes between aggressive nationalism, which evokes the "century of humiliation" to foster resentment against former imperialist powers, and consensual nationalism, which seeks unity by recalling shared history with the Guomindang during critical periods. The CCP's portrayal as the defender of national interests faces skepticism from the public, with some arguing for the KMT's potential superiority. This analysis is relevant for those studying Chinese politics, history, and international relations.