Ho-fung Hung: The China Question

TPL and Toronto Metropolitan University present Professor in Political Economy at John Hopkins University Dr. Ho-fung Hung in conversation with Sanjay Ruparelia at the Toronto Reference Library's Appel Salon.

As a leading scholar of Chinese political economy and author of acclaimed works on China's rise and global capitalism, Ho-fung Hung brings unparalleled insight into one of the most consequential questions of our era: the future of China's political system and its implications for global order.

For centuries, Western scholars portrayed China either as a land of superior morality or as a formidable country of pagans that posed a global threat to Western values. The geopolitics of the last few decades facilitated more nuanced perspectives. Some believed global capitalism would support gradual democratization, others that liberal democracy was incompatible with Chinese governance. Either way, the "China Question" has underpinned policy approaches, academic analysis, and public understanding of China's authoritarian model. Yet today, as economic pressures mount and US-China rivalry intensifies, this framework faces unprecedented scrutiny.

How are current economic crises, both within China and globally, testing the resilience of China's authoritarian system? Why do assumptions about democracy's incompatibility with China persist despite historical evidence of democratic movements and aspirations? What role does escalating US-China competition play in reinforcing or undermining China's current political trajectory? How might internal contradictions within China's model create openings for political transformation that conventional wisdom overlooks?

The "China Question" is no longer just about China, it's about the future of global political systems in an era of renewed great power rivalry. Understanding this transformation is essential for navigating the complex geopolitical landscape of the decades ahead.

Ticket registration for this event is required.

About this Event's Guests:

About Ho-fung Hung

About Sanjay Ruparelia

Read More:

City on the Edge : Hong Kong Under Chinese Rule

The China Boom: Why China Will Not Rule the World

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This event is part of our On Civil Society series, where we host local and international authors, activists and academics in conversation about the most critical topics of our time. Generously supported by the McConnell Foundation and also by Chris M. Reid.

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About the series:

On the Frontlines of Democracy is a public lecture series to analyze the trajectory of democracy in the twenty-first century.

In every region, the prospects of democracy face serious challenges, old and new. Can we protect constitutional rights and renew collective self-rule in an era of popular mistrust, severe partisanship and resurgent nationalism? Can they reduce inequalities of power, wealth and status, defend deep diversity and confront climate change in the new digital age? Can we develop innovative strategies to revitalize civic engagement, empower public institutions and resist autocratic threats? And what can we offer, learn and do to promote the prospects of democracy in our increasingly post-western global order?

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PLAN YOUR VISIT:

Location: Bram and Bluma Appel Salon, Toronto Reference Library (789 Yonge Street), 2nd floor

Time: Doors open 6:00 pm, Event starts 7 pm.

Tickets: Free registration required.

Ticket policy: Tickets guaranteed until 6:50 pm, after which rush line admission begins. Seating first come, first served.

TPL is committed to accessibility. If you are Deaf or have a disability and would like to request accommodation for this event, please contact [email protected] or 416-393-7099 at least three weeks prior to the event.

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Host or Publisher Toronto Public Library