Topgyal, Tsering (2011) Insecurity dilemma and the Tibetan uprising in 2008. Journal of Contemporary China, Volume 20 (Number 69). pp. 183-203. doi:10.1080/10670564.2011.541627

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Abstract

In March 2008, Tibet erupted in the biggest challenge to Chinese rule since 1959. While Beijing and Dharamsala engaged in their familiar battle of representations, pundits speculated on the causes of the uprising, ranging from conspiracy theories to informed policy analysis. Applying the framework of the insecurity dilemma, this article argues that Tibetan identity insecurity on account of the post-1989 hard-line Chinese policies was the chief cause of the uprising. Largely peaceful protests and occasionally violent riots in Tibet have been integral to Tibetan efforts to mitigate their societal insecurities provoked by Chinese migration, 'assimilationist' policies and 'cultural imperialism'. However, Tibetan protests and riots heighten Chinese insecurities and harden Beijing's policies both inside Tibet and towards the Dalai Lama. This paper reveals the dynamic cycle of hard-line Chinese policies provoking Tibetan uprisings; the resulting hardening in Chinese policies feeds back into Tibetan insecurities and protests. The 2008 uprising was the most recent cycle in the long-running saga of the Sino-Tibetan insecurity dilemma. The article warns that unless the Tibetans and the Chinese find a way to break out of the insecurity dilemma, Tibet could explode into another frenzy of violence and counter-violence in the near future.

Item Type:	Journal Article
Subjects:	J Political Science > JQ Political institutions (Asia, Africa, Australia, Pacific Area, etc.)
Divisions:	Faculty of Social Sciences > Politics and International Studies
Library of Congress Subject Headings (LCSH):	Tibet Autonomous Region (China) -- History -- Autonomy and independence movements, Tibet Autonomous Region (China) -- Politics and government -- 1951-, Demonstrations -- China -- Tibet Autonomous Region
Journal or Publication Title:	Journal of Contemporary China
Publisher:	Routledge
ISSN:	1067-0564
Official Date:	2011
Dates:	Date Event 2011 Published
Volume:	Volume 20
Number:	Number 69
Page Range:	pp. 183-203
DOI:	10.1080/10670564.2011.541627
Status:	Peer Reviewed
Publication Status:	Published
Access rights to Published version:	Restricted or Subscription Access

Data sourced from Thomson Reuters' Web of Knowledge

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