Hong Kong Transformed: From Island Democracy to Authoritarian Regime
Hong Kong, a global financial hub and one of the most developed cities in the world, has historically been one of the most culturally significant and fascinating places to live and visit. A cultural melting pot with a largely parliamentary democracy made Hong Kong unique among cities in Asia. Since the June 2020 passing of a new National Security Law by the People’s Republic of China (PRC) the city, a Special Administrative Region (SAR) of Chi, has been taken by fear and uncertainty. With unimaginable quickness, the lives of Hong Kong citizens have changed completely. There is difficulty comprehending what is happening from a foreign perspective, given the obscurity of Hong Kong and China’s historical relations. And with the economic and social complications brought on by current tensions between the two, the fate of the city has become a major global issue.
Meet the Student: Lauren Vallace
Lauren Vallace, originally from Wilmette, Illinois, is a senior at Notre Dame majoring in Economics with minors in Real Estate and Chinese. Lauren decided to engage in the Approaching Asia course in order to learn the economic, political and social dynamics of Asia and gain an increased global perspective. At a young age, Lauren lived in Hong Kong for five years and fell in love with the city. Given the current crisis happening in Hong Kong due to increasing interference from the Chinese Communist Party, Lauren chose to write her paper discussing the social implications of this matter, and give light to what may be the future of Hong Kong.