What the study found
The study finds that the Zambia Shaolin Cultural Center should not be understood only as a state-driven form of soft power. Instead, it is described as an evolving assemblage in which diverse actors and elements interact and co-create meaning through adaptation and negotiation.
Why the authors say this matters
The authors say this matters because it challenges a state-centric interpretation of Chinese cultural and religious engagement abroad. The study suggests that China–Africa cultural and religious encounters are collaborative, relational, and fluid rather than solely directed from the state.
What the researchers tested
The researcher used the Zambia Shaolin Cultural Center as a case study. The study draws on fieldwork observation and interviews and is informed by assemblage thinking, which treats social phenomena as formed through interacting and changing parts.
What worked and what didn't
The abstract reports that assemblage thinking was useful for examining the heterogeneity, fluidity, and adaptability of Shaolin’s operations in Zambia. It also supports the argument that the center is shaped through ongoing adaptation and negotiation. The abstract does not describe any failed approach or negative result.
What to keep in mind
The summary provided is limited to the abstract, so detailed limitations are not described. The findings are based on one case study, the Zambia Shaolin Cultural Center, and the abstract does not state how far the conclusions extend beyond that case.
Key points
- The paper argues that the Zambia Shaolin Cultural Center is not best understood as only state-driven soft power.
- It describes the center as an evolving assemblage shaped by diverse actors and elements.
- The study uses fieldwork observation and interviews, informed by assemblage thinking.
- The authors present China–Africa cultural and religious encounters as collaborative, relational, and fluid.
- The abstract does not describe specific limitations or failed results.
Disclosure
- Research title:
- Shaolin in Zambia emerges as a collaborative cultural assemblage
- Authors:
- Hangwei Li
- Institutions:
- German Institute of Development and Sustainability
- Publication date:
- 2026-03-10
- OpenAlex record:
- View
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