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Authoritarian Signaling, Mass Audiences, and Nationalist Protest in China

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  • Weiss, Jessica Chen

Abstract

How can authoritarian states credibly signal their intentions in international crises? Nationalist, antiforeign protests are one mechanism by which authoritarian leaders can visibly demonstrate their domestic vulnerability. Because protests in authoritarian states are risky and costly to repress, the decision to allow or stifle popular mobilization is informative. The threat of instability demonstrates resolve, and the cost of concession increases the credibility of a tough stance. The danger of instability and escalation increases foreign incentives to make concessions and preserve the status quo. This logic helps explain the pattern of authoritarian tolerance and repression toward nationalist protest. A case study of two U.S.-China crises shows how China's management of anti-American protests affected U.S. beliefs about Chinese resolve.

Suggested Citation

  • Weiss, Jessica Chen, 2013. "Authoritarian Signaling, Mass Audiences, and Nationalist Protest in China," International Organization, Cambridge University Press, vol. 67(1), pages 1-35, January.
    • Handle: RePEc:cup:intorg:v:67:y:2013:i:01:p:1-35_00
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    Cited by:

    1. Hussaini, 2020. "The Historical Sources of Nationalism in the Contemporary China," Technium Social Sciences Journal, Technium Science, vol. 13(1), pages 536-550, November.
    2. Gong, Do Young & Kim-Leffingwell, Sanghoon & Shen, Shuyuan & Yang, Yujeong, 2024. "Money backfires: How Chinese investment fuels anti-China protests abroad," World Development, Elsevier, vol. 178(C).
    3. Cathy Xuanxuan Wu & Scott Wolford, 2018. "Leaders, States, and Reputations," Journal of Conflict Resolution, Peace Science Society (International), vol. 62(10), pages 2087-2117, November.
    4. Brandon K. Yoder & Kyle Haynes, 2021. "Signaling under the Security Dilemma: An Experimental Analysis," Journal of Conflict Resolution, Peace Science Society (International), vol. 65(4), pages 672-700, April.
    5. Min Zhou & Hanning Wang, 2018. "The role of rationality in motivating participation in social movements: The case of anti-Japanese demonstrations in China," Rationality and Society, , vol. 30(1), pages 155-186, February.
    6. Meckling, Jonas & Nahm, Jonas, 2019. "The politics of technology bans: Industrial policy competition and green goals for the auto industry," Energy Policy, Elsevier, vol. 126(C), pages 470-479.
    7. Kirk Bansak, 2021. "Estimating causal moderation effects with randomized treatments and non‐randomized moderators," Journal of the Royal Statistical Society Series A, Royal Statistical Society, vol. 184(1), pages 65-86, January.
    8. Kyle Haynes & Brandon K. Yoder, 2024. "Trust, cooperation, and the tradeoffs of reciprocity," Conflict Management and Peace Science, Peace Science Society (International), vol. 41(1), pages 26-46, January.
    9. Heilmann, Kilian, 2016. "Does political conflict hurt trade? Evidence from consumer boycotts," Journal of International Economics, Elsevier, vol. 99(C), pages 179-191.
    10. Gary Uzonyi & Toby Rider, 2017. "Determinants of Foreign Aid: Rivalry and Domestic Instability," International Interactions, Taylor & Francis Journals, vol. 43(2), pages 272-299, March.
    11. Eryan Ramadhani, 2019. "Is Assertiveness Paying the Bill? China’s Domestic Audience Costs in the South China Sea Disputes," Journal of Asian Security and International Affairs, , vol. 6(1), pages 30-54, April.
    12. Shaoyu Yuan, 2023. "Tracing China’s diplomatic transition to wolf warrior diplomacy and its implications," Palgrave Communications, Palgrave Macmillan, vol. 10(1), pages 1-9, December.
    13. Stephan Haggard, 2014. "Liberal Pessimism: International Relations Theory and the Emerging Powers," Asia and the Pacific Policy Studies, Wiley Blackwell, vol. 1(1), pages 1-17, January.
    14. Keren Yarhi-Milo & Joshua D. Kertzer & Jonathan Renshon, 2018. "Tying Hands, Sinking Costs, and Leader Attributes," Journal of Conflict Resolution, Peace Science Society (International), vol. 62(10), pages 2150-2179, November.
    15. Xiaojun Li & Dingding Chen, 2021. "Public opinion, international reputation, and audience costs in an authoritarian regime," Conflict Management and Peace Science, Peace Science Society (International), vol. 38(5), pages 543-560, September.
    16. Gregory J. Moore & Christopher B. Primiano, 2020. "Audience Costs and China’s South China Sea Policy," Journal of Asian Security and International Affairs, , vol. 7(3), pages 325-348, December.
    17. Patrick Gill-Tiney, 2022. "A Liberal Peace?: The Growth of Liberal Norms and the Decline of Interstate Violence," Journal of Conflict Resolution, Peace Science Society (International), vol. 66(3), pages 413-442, April.

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