Intellectuals, Influencers, and the Reshaping of Chinese Nationalism

Co-sponsored with the Fairbank Center for Chinese Studies

Intellectuals have historically played a central role in the development of Chinese nationalism since the late 19^th and early 20^th centuries. In the 21^st century, however, their roles and practices have undergone profound transformations. These shifts reflect changes in international relations, domestic political development, and a growing national confidence fueled by decades of economic growth. Equally important, the rapid spread of digital technologies has altered how ideas circulate and how publics engage with nationalist discourse. Where intellectuals once mediated debates through traditional media, many have now redefined themselves as digital “influencers”. With vast online followings, they leverage platform logics to participate directly in nationalist debates, monetize their reputations, and reshape public discourse in ways that differ significantly from their predecessors. In this talk, I will explore how these intellectuals reinvent themselves as digital influencers, how they construct and disseminate nationalist narratives on digital platforms, and the implications of their practices for China’s evolving nationalism. By situating these intellectual influencers at the intersection of state, society, technology, and the platform economy, this study seeks to shed new light on the dynamics of contemporary cyber-nationalism and the changing role of intellectuals in shaping national identity.