ABSTRACT
This Introduction presents an overview of key concepts discussed in the subsequent chapters of this book. The book aims to define key concepts, explore their implications in a Chinese context, and spells out the linkages between nationalism, national identities, the national identity question, the nation-state system, and the relationship between the national boundary/identity question and democratization. It classifies nationalism into state versus popular nationalism; and super versus ethno nationalism. The book focuses on the national identity question which it considers a fundamental source of the rise of nationalism. It examines in detail the close association between the national identity problem and the rise of Chinese nationalism and identifies the national identity problem as the substantive issue facing China. The national identity problem can be seen as a long term background factor to the whole process of democratization. The national identity question in China indicates the special circumstances under which nationalism conflicts with democracy.
