China's Approach to BRICS

The economic rise of the BRICS (Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa) inevitably leads to a redistribution of power in the international system. Chinese leaders today accord a considerable priority to this group, and there are elements of realism, liberalism/ institutionalism and constructivism in their approach. This article intends to study China’s policy towards BRICS and examine the above elements so as to better understand how the Chinese leadership perceives China’s role in the international system, and how it seeks to articulate its interests and enhances its influence

Challenge to the Pro-democracy Movement in Hong Kong

This article intends to examine the challenges facing the pro-democracy movement in Hong Kong today, as well as the general political and social situation in the territory. It argues that the deterioration and divisions within the pro-democracy movement may not be political gains for the pro-Beijing united front, as the political and social polarization poses serious problems for effective governance as well. An administration threatened by legitimacy deficit will find it increasingly difficult to deliver in terms of both economic development and social services, thus forcing itself into a vicious circle as unsatisfactory performance further worsens its legitimacy deficit.Though Hong Kong people’s confidence in China and their trust for the Chinese leadership as well as their identification with the Mainland have been strengthening since the territory’s return to China, the latter’s strong backing for the HKSAR has become a double-edged sword. Hong Kong people realize that decisions on local political reforms are made in Beijing, and they also partly blame the Chinese authorities for the unsatisfactory performance of the HKSAR government which is picked by and accountable to Beijing. The lose-lose situation can only be reversed by the enlightenment of the Chinese leadership which, hopefully, would feel secure enough to allow genuine democracy in the territory

Les défis du mouvement pro-démocratique à Hong Kong

Cet article examine les défis que rencontre aujourd’hui le mouvement pro-démocratique à Hong Kong ainsi que la situation politique et sociale globale de ce territoire. Il montre que dans une période de polarisation politique et sociale qui pose de sérieux problèmes de gouvernance, la désagrégation et les scissions du mouvement pro-démocratique ne représentent pas forcément une victoire politique pour le front uni pro-Pékin. L’administration menacée par un déficit de légitimité éprouve des difficultés croissantes à accomplir ses missions, que ce soit en termes de développement économique ou de services sociaux, et elle se retrouve coincée dans un cercle vicieux où des performances insatisfaisantes viennent empirer son déficit de légitimité.Bien que la confiance de la population de Hong Kong envers la Chine et ses dirigeants ainsi que son identification avec le continent se soient renforcées depuis le retour du territoire à la Chine, le soutien appuyé de cette dernière à la Région administrative spéciale (RAS) de Hong Kong s’est révélé être à double tranchant. Les Hongkongais se sont rendu compte que les réformes politiques locales se décidaient à la capitale, et ils rendent en partie les autorités chinoises responsables des performances médiocres du gouvernement de la RAS, choisi par Pékin et qui rend des comptes à la capitale. Cette situation perdant-perdant ne peut s’inverser que par une prise de conscience des dirigeants chinois qui, espérons-le, pourraient se sentir suffisamment en sécurité pour autoriser une véritable démocratie sur le territoire

Challenge to the Pro-democracy Movement in Hong Kong

This article intends to examine the challenges facing the pro-democracy movement in Hong Kong today, as well as the general political and social situation in the territory. It argues that the deterioration and divisions within the pro-democracy movement may not be political gains for the pro-Beijing united front, as the political and social polarization poses serious problems for effective governance as well. An administration threatened by legitimacy deficit will find it increasingly difficult to deliver in terms of both economic development and social services, thus forcing itself into a vicious circle as unsatisfactory performance further worsens its legitimacy deficit.Though Hong Kong people’s confidence in China and their trust for the Chinese leadership as well as their identification with the Mainland have been strengthening since the territory’s return to China, the latter’s strong backing for the HKSAR has become a double-edged sword. Hong Kong people realize that decisions on local political reforms are made in Beijing, and they also partly blame the Chinese authorities for the unsatisfactory performance of the HKSAR government which is picked by and accountable to Beijing. The lose-lose situation can only be reversed by the enlightenment of the Chinese leadership which, hopefully, would feel secure enough to allow genuine democracy in the territory