China‘s Censorship and Cultural Power--Necessarily at Odds?

This thesis looks at the censorship practices of the CCP in regards to cultural power. I analyze in depth, Confucius Institutes and the field of Contemporary Art as case studies for cultural power. This paper suggests that our current ways of thinking about censorship and soft power are limited in explaining what is happening with Chinese cultural power. I contend that the CCP is focused on building a global presence and cultural security through its censorship practices. This does degrade China’s ability to accrue soft power, but it should not be understood as a failure on behalf as the Party. It is more likely a different agenda when it comes to global cultural power all together.