Authors

Chang Liu¹;  ¹ Institute of Russian, Eastern European and Central Asian Studies, Chinese Academy of Social Sciences, 中国

Discussion

In recent years, there has been a trend of "civilization renaissance" around the world. Non-Western countries that once had profound traditional civilizations have used civilization narratives to reposition themselves. For example, Putin appeals to Russian civilization to reconstruct the post-Soviet space order, Turkey uses "Neo-Ottomanism" to expand its regional influence, and Modi defines India's successful experience as a by-product of its civilizational roots rather than a copy of the Western model. “civilization ” is back at the forefront of global policy debates. This trend is the non-Western world's response to internal and external crises. It is also the spiritual awakening of non-Western countries in the process of modernization exploration. It represents the further disintegration of "Western-centrism" in the non-Western world and marks the pattern of exchanges between old and new civilizations. A critical transition is taking place.  In the process of crisis response, countries in the non-Western world have discovered the great effectiveness of "civilization". Externally, they can use it to resist the pressure of major powers and improve their negotiating position. Internally, they can reconstruct the identity of the people and transform them from failed latecomers. Transform members into modern inheritors of a glorious civilization and relieve their loneliness, frustration and anxiety. Civilization narratives have gradually entered mainstream discourse in the non-Western world, gained recognition from social elites and the public, and become important ideological resources and means for countries in the process of recalibrating and positioning themselves. However, excessive instrumentalization of civilization narratives may also lead to Extreme xenophobia and populism.