Against Imperialism

As the rivalry between the US and China enters a dangerous new phase, reaffirming the politics of anti-imperialism is a task more important than ever. From trade wars and pandemic politics to rioting workers, intercontinental balloons, and battles over TikTok, the US media tends to present contemporary Chinawhen its discussed at allin sensationalist terms. This portrayal has only intensified as Chinas relationship with the United States has grown increasingly hostile. Whether in the form of overtly racist rhetoric and aggressive trade actions, or the more buttoned down but equally antagonistic efforts to oppose Chinese interests abroad, the US has made clear that it has no interest in giving up its position as global hegemon. This seemingly endless cycle of nationalism, jingoism, and reactionary politics on both sides of the Pacific suggests a downward spiral that could plausibly result in catastrophic military confrontation. Against Imperialism forcefully makes the case that workers and socially marginalized people in both the US and China must oppose our rulers claims that they have our best interests in mind as they ratchet up their rivalry. Rather, if were to avert nuclear calamity, we must oppose imperialism in all its forms, and regardless of its source and rhetoric. Through snapshots of Chinas growing social movementsfrom its labor struggles to feminist campaigns, and moreLin, Liu, Friedman, and Smith provide some of the building blocks well need to construct a movement that centers international solidarity across borders.