ABSTRACT
This conclusion presents some closing thoughts on the concepts covered in the preceding chapters of this book. The book argues that the Chinese communist party's sharp power approach should be considered an extension of its united front method, a conceptualisation of the political process as a zero-sum game and a world-view which distinguishes between friends and enemies. It addresses the research puzzle to what extent political activists in mainland China, Taiwan and Hong Kong have made progress in their quest to liberalise and democratise their respective polities. The book shows how in the case of both Taiwan and Hong Kong, their respective democracy movements have become entangled in ethnic conflict and have given birth to nativist and nationalist political parties advocating self-determination and/or independence. It explores a cognitive map for democracy activists in mainland China, Taiwan and Hong Kong and help them reflect on their respective reform strategies and tactics.
