Abstract
In this article, we argue that immigrants can serve as staunch support of the conservative incumbents of a regime, due to a self-selection effect; immigrants are more likely to accept the political status quo and be less sympathetic to the opposition who might demand progressive changes. Based on Asian Barometer survey data in Hong Kong, we showed that Chinese immigrants in Hong Kong are more pro-establishment and supportive of pro-government parties. With China’s huge population, this implies a strategic importance of Chinese migrants, whose inflow to other Asian states can significantly skew the politics of neighbouring states in destined directions.
Original language | English |
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Pages (from-to) | 909-940 |
Number of pages | 32 |
Journal | Contemporary Chinese Political Economy and Strategic Relations |
Volume | 2 |
Issue number | 2 |
Publication status | Published - 1 Aug 2016 |
Keywords
- Chinese immigrants
- Democratization
- Hong Kong politics
- Internal migration
ASJC Scopus subject areas
- Sociology and Political Science
- Economics and Econometrics
- Political Science and International Relations