China’s power in economic, political, military and cultural terms is mounting. In our contemporary world, this rise in China’s influence has been phenomenal. However, the extent, of its actual impact on Asian countries and societies remain subject to scholarly and practitioner debate. To understand the significance of China’s ascendancy, some would argue, there is a need for concise and accurate analysis of its political, economic, and military engagement, as well as its proclaimed intentions. Tools to conduct such studies on the power and influence of China are, according to some scholars, still missing, and at best, insufficient.

Regardless, what matters is how “actors” (broadly defined to include policy-makers, business people, elites, intellectuals, general public) in different Asian countries perceive, interpret and respond to China’s engagement and use of power. Obviously, some embrace China, while others reject it outright; in addition, there are significant bystanders neither embracing nor rejecting. In any case, how do these Asian actors rationalize their positions? How do they act out their stance towards China? These questions are critical because – voluntarily or involuntarily –  many societal actors assumed to have played a role in making their communities, societies and/or countries become more sinicized, de-sinicized or re-sinicized than before.  If this assumption holds, are these actors collaborators or competitors of China? In what ways, and how, have they enabled or disabled the sinicization, de-sinicization and re-sinicization?

During this two-day interdisciplinary conference, we are welcoming participants to share their findings on how the rise of China occurs, and how China’s rise is perceived, and how different states and societal actors have reacted to it in Asia. Evidence of sinicization, de-sinicization and re-sinicization will be identified and studied.

The theme of the conference reflects our objective; however, scholars are encouraged to think broadly, especially in submissions under the following indicative individual topics of interest:

• Sociology and Anthropology
• History
• Politics and Law
• Economics
• Environmental Studies
• International Relations
• Translation, Sinology and Linguistics
• Teaching Chinese as a Foreign Language
• Cinema, Media and Performing Arts
• Art and Archaeology
• Gender Studies
• Literature
• Philosophy and Religion

Conference or­gan­isa­tion and format

The conference runs from 10 to 11 June and will consist of keynotes, panels, and roundtables, while also reserving time for informal discussions and networking. We invite proposals for panels, roundtables, and individual papers on the topics above as well as any related topics. We also welcome suggestions for other formats. The conference offers good opportunities to meet people in the field, network, and informally exchange views and ideas.

Prior to the conference is a two day PhD course (8-9 June, see separate announcement below).  Participants in the PhD course are expected to also take part in the conference (with or without a paper presentation).

Key­note Speak­ers

• William A. Callahan, London School of Economics
• Camilla T. N. Sørensen,  Royal Danish Defence College
• Mette Halskov Hansen, University of Oslo