The modern Chinese empire (PRC) hides its colonial set-up by camouflaging itself as a multi-minzu (nationality/ethnic) nation-state. Central to this discourse is the idea of minzu. However, historically, this is a new concept. What is the origin of the term Minzu? How did the contemporary 56 minzu in China come into being? 

I discuss these questions and more in this khyeltam short episode on Thomas Mullaney’s book “Coming to terms with the Nation.”

Intro/Outro theme: Karachal - Alash Ensemble (freemusicarchive.org/music/Alash_Ensemble/)

Image: University of California Press

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