Among the Braves: Hope, Struggle, and Exile in the Battle for Hong Kong and the Future of Global Democracy

Hong Kong was a British colony for 156 years until it was returned to China in 1997. It was meant to be a bridge between communism and capitalism, authoritarianism and liberal democracy, with one country, two systems keeping its media free, courts independent, and protests boisterous. In 2019, an ill-conceived law spear-headed by a sycophantic leader pushed a third of the city to take to the streets in one of the most enduring protest movements the world has ever seen. Xi Jinping responded with a draconian national security law that sought to end the demonstrations and quash the problem of Hong Kongers' identity and desire for freedom. Reverend Chu, Tommy, Finn, Gwyneth, and Shibani Mahtani and Timothy McLaughlin tell the story of Hong Kong's past and what the sacrifices of its people mean for global democracy's shaky foundation.

Format: Hardback
Length: 336 pages
Publication date: 23 November 2023
Publisher: Hachette Books

Hong Kong, once a British colony for 156 years, embarked on an experiment in governance upon its return to China in 1997. The goal was to establish a unique blend of communism and capitalism, authoritarianism and liberal democracy, serving as a bridge between two hostile systems. The "one country, two systems" model promised media freedom, independent courts, and robust protests to convince Taiwan of a peaceful resolution to Beijing's desire for reunification. However, this formulation excluded the voices and aspirations of Hong Kong's own people, leaving their future to be negotiated by political titans in distant capitals.

In 2019, an ill-conceived law, spearheaded by a sycophantic leader, sparked a massive protest movement that engulfed a third of the city. The law aimed to end the demonstrations and suppress the problem of Hong Kongers' identity and desire for freedom. Reverend Chu, who drew inspiration from the students at Tiananmen Square, witnessed the handcuffing and eviction of his silver-haired comrades, who had played pivotal roles in shaping Hong Kong's modern pro-democracy movement. Tommy, an art student turned radical, witnessed the brutalization of fellow activists by police, leading him to flee. Finn, a decentralized movement leader, symbolized the internet-fueled victories of the movement, but his online anonymity couldn't protect him from the consequences of his actions. Gwyneth, a former journalist who chose to run as an opposition candidate, faced the inevitable outcome of her decision, yet she stood firm in her commitment to the cause.

Among the Braves, Shibani Mahtani and Timothy McLaughlin delve into Hong Kong's past, shedding light on the sacrifices made by its people and their profound impact on the global democratic foundation. Their narrative explores the historical context, the political struggles, and the resilience of the Hong Kongers in the face of adversity. It serves as a reminder of the importance of safeguarding democratic values and the rights of individuals, even in the face of formidable challenges.

Weight: 562g
Dimension: 162 x 236 x 30 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780306830365