ANBOUND Strategic Research Report: The Implications of the Resurgence of Existentialism for China

By Zhao Zhijiang (Research Fellow for the Geopolitical Strategy programme at ANBOUND)

Existentialism is a philosophical and cultural current whose core ideas emphasize individual freedom, choice, and responsibility. In today's complex and rapidly changing global context, existentialist thought has once again taken on strong real-world relevance.

At moments of transition, decline, or profound transformation, existentialism tends to resurface. This applies not only to individuals, but to nations as collective entities as well. There is, therefore, little doubt that both China and the world today are once again confronting the resurgence of this cultural current. Existentialism is likely to become a popular way of life, and may even evolve into a philosophy guiding public policy.

In this research report, Zhijiang Zhao, Research Fellow for the Geopolitical Strategy programme at ANBOUND, discusses why understanding existentialism is crucial to grasping China today, and how it is shaping the country's future.

Click here for more information about ANBOUND's report on this issue (in Chinese).