What the study found
The study finds that the Zambia Shaolin Cultural Center is an evolving assemblage, meaning a changing configuration of people, practices, and elements that work together. The author argues that China-Zambia cultural and religious engagement is collaborative, relational, and fluid rather than only state-driven.
Why the authors say this matters
The authors suggest this matters because the case challenges a state-centric view of Chinese cultural and religious engagement abroad. The findings indicate that assemblage thinking can help explain how meaning is co-created through adaptation and negotiation in China-Africa encounters.
What the researchers tested
The researcher used a case study of the Zambia Shaolin Cultural Center. The approach was based on fieldwork observation and interviews, and it drew on assemblage thinking as the main analytical lens.
What worked and what didn't
The abstract reports that the case showed heterogeneity, fluidity, and adaptability in the center's operations in Zambia. It also says diverse actors and elements interacted and co-created meaning through adaptation and negotiation. No comparison group or failed intervention is described in the abstract.
What to keep in mind
The summary provided is limited to one case study, so the abstract does not claim broader generalization. The abstract also does not describe specific limitations beyond the focus on the Zambia Shaolin Cultural Center.
Key points
- The article argues against interpreting the case mainly through state-driven soft power.
- The Zambia Shaolin Cultural Center is described as an evolving assemblage.
- Fieldwork observation and interviews were used to study the case.
- The operations in Zambia are described as heterogeneous, fluid, and adaptable.
- Meaning was co-created through adaptation and negotiation among diverse actors and elements.
Disclosure
- Research title:
- Zambia Shaolin Cultural Center as a flexible China-Africa assemblage
- Authors:
- Hangwei Li
- Institutions:
- German Institute of Development and Sustainability
- Publication date:
- 2026-03-10
- OpenAlex record:
- View
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