Political strategies of identity building in non-han empires in China

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Long periods in Chinese history were shaped by non-Han conquest rule. This volume, resulting from a 2012 Munich workshop, seeks to challenge modern historical narratives and their national boundaries, both territorial and intellectual. The contributors examine how non-Han rulers, such as the Jurchen, Mongols, and Manchus, leveraged their cultural-ethnic backgrounds to consolidate power in East Asia. By adopting a syncretic approach to the rhetoric and ideologies of the diverse groups they governed, these emperors and elites developed innovative strategies to navigate the multi-ethnic and multi-cultural landscapes of their vast empires, whose legacies persist in contemporary China. Understanding the Inner and Northern Asian backgrounds of these dynasties is essential for grasping their historical and cultural impact on East Asian history. This analysis necessitates moving beyond a China-centered narrative, recognizing that the identities of both conquerors and the conquered became intertwined. A closer examination of these mutual influences enriches our understanding of these significant historical periods, transcending the limitations of perspectives focused solely on ethnic and political boundaries.