This project is aimed to shed light on the underlying mechanism of politicization of science in China through one typical case: the governance of smog pollution. The project examines how smog governance is politicized from science to politics. Firstly, from the perspective of science communication and political communication, this project will explore how the concept of PM 2.5 was politicized and became an important political symbol on social media in China. Secondly, it traces the history of “war against smog” launched by the Communist Party of China and the Chinese central government. Thirdly, it looks into the causes for the institutionalization of smog governance as Party’s ideology and national vocation and will implement a mix of historical and political science methodologies.
Fight against smog pollution in China. Photo credit: Chao Gu (2014).