Violence, Discourse, and Politics in China's Uyghur Region: The Terroristization of Xinjiang

This book investigates how Uyghur-related violent conflict and Uyghur ethnic minority identity, religion, and the Xinjiang region more broadly, became constituted as a ‘terrorism’ problem for the Chinese state.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 246 pages
Publication date: 30 December 2022
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd

This comprehensive book delves into the intricate relationship between Uyghur-related violent conflict, Uyghur ethnic minority identity, religion, and the Xinjiang region, examining how these elements have been transformed into a "terrorism problem" for the Chinese state. Drawing upon securitization theory, Critical Terrorism Studies (CTS), and the ongoing scholarly debate surrounding the definition of terrorism, the author develops a novel concept of "terroristization" as a critical analytical framework for understanding historical processes of threat construction. Through a detailed examination of the violent events reported in Xinjiang since the early 1980s, the evolving discursive patterns employed by the Chinese state to interpret these incidents, and the policies legitimized by the official terrorism discourse, the book reveals how the securitization and subsequent terroristization of Xinjiang and the Uyghurs have been the result of a deliberate and political choice made by the Chinese state.

The author unveils the contingent and unstable nature of this construction, challenging the notion of its inevitability and raising profound questions about the rationale behind China's "war on terror." This book appeals to scholars and students engaged in the study of contemporary China, security and ethnic minority issues, International Relations and Security, as well as those adopting discursive approaches to security, particularly within the fields of critical security and terrorism studies. By exploring the complex interplay between Uyghur-related violence, identity, religion, and regional dynamics, this book offers valuable insights into the ongoing challenges faced by China in managing its diverse ethnic populations and promoting stability in the region.

Weight: 485g
Dimension: 234 x 156 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781032311036