Persuading the Public: Support for Costly Environmental Policies in China

Speaker:  Prof. Liu Dongshu

Prof. Liu Dongshu, Assistant Professor, Department of Public and International Affairs, City University of Hong Kong

Prof. Dongshu Liu is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Public and International Affairs at the City University of Hong Kong. He earned his Ph.D. in political science from Syracuse University. His main research focus lies in political behavior and political institutions within authoritarian regimes. Specifically, he examines how autocrats can effectively address the competing demands of ruling elites and the general public. Additionally, his research delves into the political ramifications of China’s propaganda narratives in both domestic and foreign affairs. His research has appeared in journals like Democratization, Governance, Political Research Quarterly, and Journal of Peace Research.

Abstract:

China’s ambitious plan for reducing carbon emissions may have a significant impact on its economy and impose an increased cost burden on the public. Conventionally, governments endure political costs when implementing unpopular policies. How can China achieve its goal without causing political risks? In this paper, we argue that China can promote its costly carbon policy through narratives that points to international competition. Using an online survey experiment and an ethnographic study, we find that although the competition-narrative does not increase public support for the policy, it successfully mitigates the political costs by increasing the respondents’ political trust and motivating them to defend the government against criticism. Furthermore, such narratives do not trigger populism and reduce public support for international cooperation. This study provides insights into how China solicits support for its ambitious yet costly environmental policies.

Date：11/11/2024（Monday）

Time：15：30-17：00

Venue：E21B-G002

Language: English