The Porcelain Hand of China: Surveillance and Governance in a Shifting Global Landscape

The dissertation explores the intricate governance model of contemporary China, conceptualized as the “Porcelain Hand”. Unlike traditional perspectives that emphasize coercive state control, this study argues that governance in China operates through a refined balance of authority and guidance, akin to the delicate yet resilient nature of porcelain. By blending ideological influence, technological oversight, and economic planning, this governance model offers a distinct approach that differentiates it from Western paradigms. The thesis begins by situating the Porcelain Hand within the broader discourse of governance, comparing historical and modern approaches to state control. It first explores the evolution of governance in China, tracing shifts from Mao Zedong’s centralized planning to Deng Xiaoping’s market-oriented reforms, and finally to Xi Jinping’s strategic consolidation of power. This historical overview provides a foundation for understanding how China’s governance has adapted to changing economic and social landscapes while maintaining an overarching state presence. The second section of the dissertation focuses on the mechanisms through which the Porcelain Hand operates in the digital age. It examines China’s integration of artificial intelligence, big data, and the Social Credit System as instruments of governance, analyzing how they function as tools of behavioral regulation, economic strategy, and ideological reinforcement. By evaluating these mechanisms, the study highlights the intersection between technological innovation and state control, revealing a model that extends beyond traditional authoritarian frameworks. The third chapter shifts the focus outward, assessing China’s global influence through the Porcelain Hand framework. The study explores initiatives such as the Belt and Road Initiative, digital diplomacy, and cultural soft power as extensions of China’s governance model beyond its borders. This section investigates how China’s approach to state-led economic development and strategic partnerships shapes international perceptions and challenges existing global power structures. Through a combination of political theory, economic analysis, and case studies, the thesis provides a nuanced perspective on governance in the digital age. Rather than adopting a judgmental stance, this study seeks to provoke reflection on the evolving nature of power and control in different governance systems. By drawing parallels between China’s state-driven surveillance and Western corporate-led data capitalism, the dissertation challenges conventional binaries, suggesting that both models operate through sophisticated mechanisms of influence. Ultimately, this research contributes to the broader discussion on modern governance, raising essential questions about freedom and the shifting role of states and corporations in shaping human behavior and societal structures.