In this episode, we dive into why dominant European perceptions of China turned sharply negative in recent years. Drawing on fresh academic insights from the recently published article “Bundling Threats: Why Dominant Perceptions of China Changed in Europe” by Shaun Breslin and Mikael Mattlin, the authors and Ágota Révész explore how shifting narratives—not just facts—shape policy decisions. The discussion unpacks the deeper, underlying reasons behind these changing perceptions, as well as their more immediate triggers. We also look at how a powerful image of China as a future threat towards European values and interests influences how today’s actions by China and Chinese organisations are interpreted, creating a reinforcing loop with real policy consequences. Tune in for a thought-provoking look at how stories, assumptions, and fears drive international relations.
Discussion hosted by Ágota Révész, China Centre at the Technische Universität TU Berlin.
Podcast guests: Shaun Breslin, Professor of Politics and International Studies at the University of Warwick, Mikael Mattlin, Research Professor and the leader of Center on Global Orders and China (CORD)
The podcast can be found on Soundcloud and Spotify, including a link to the publication “Bundling Threats: Why Dominant Perceptions of China Changed in Europe” by Shaun Breslin and Mikael Mattlin.