Description
This research examines the construction of the 'China Technological Threat' narrative in Europe, focusing on Huawei's involvement in 5G infrastructure development. Employing a poststructuralist approach, the study explores the interplay between discourses on Chinese technological advancements and European security concerns. It aims to move beyond positivist perspectives, questioning assumptions and exploring the discursive construction of China as a Western rival.
The central research questions are: How do discourses on China's technological advancements and European security concerns intersect, and what are the implications for the perception of China as a threat? The study will analyze policy documents, media reports, and scholarly literature to understand this discourse.
Significantly, the research addresses a gap in understanding the discursive processes shaping perceptions of China’s technological rise. It aims to contribute insights into the interplay between technology, security, and international relations, particularly examining the intricate relationship between technological advancements and European security concerns.
The case study of Huawei’s role in 5G development in Europe since 2018 serves as a focal point. The research will utilize a qualitative methodology, employing Hansen's poststructuralist intertextual model to analyze diverse narratives and representations of China in European discourse. This approach helps to understand the mutual constitution of the European Self and the Chinese Other in discourse, challenging the binary nature of securitization theory.
