China’s
Soft Power
A Conference
organised by the China Media Centre at the University of Westminster
309
Regent Street, London W1 UK
April 8th
and 9th 2010
The dramatic economic growth in China has meant a renewed
international influence. President Obama’s recent visit, and the
effective establishment of the “G2,” marked international
recognition of the fact that China is, today, a central actor in the world
economy. Historically, economic power has always been accompanied by
increasing international cultural influence – soccer, Hollywood and
karaoke are just some of the things bequeathed by other big economies to the
rest of the world. It is certain that China’s economic stature will also
be reflected in the diffusion of Chinese culture.
This reality is already recognised by many in China and
outside. The Chinese government has a “going out” strategy, aiming
to make the Chinese language, Chinese culture, and the Chinese media more
visible internationally. At the same time, broadcasters who were once content
to buy programmes and copy western models are today planning to enter the
international market place as sellers of their own products.
The organisers invite papers on all aspects of these
developments. Topics of interest include, but are not limited to:
·
Theoretical discussions of the relationships
between economic power and cultural power
·
Official efforts to promote Chinese language and
culture abroad
·
China’s international news media
·
The international strategies of China’s
media companies
·
What are the competitive advantages of Chinese
culture in the international market?
·
Is “authentic” Chinese culture under
threat from the drive to sell products internationally?
·
International reaction to the spread of Chinese
culture
·
The historical experience of the international
influence of Chinese culture
·
Future prospects for Chinese media and culture
on the world stage
If you wish to present a paper at this conference, please
send an abstract of not more than 250 words to Mi Miao ([log in to unmask]) by 31st
January 2010.
The organisers will make every effort to find a publication
outlet for the best of the papers presented at this conference.
The University of Westminster is a charity and a company limited by guarantee. Registration number: 977818 England. Registered Office: 309 Regent Street, London W1B 2UW.