Zhifan Luo
@zhifan-luo.bsky.social
Assistant Professor of Sociology @McMaster University | Media, power, and computational social science.
Pinned
Zhifan Luo
@zhifan-luo.bsky.social
· May 6
Confiscating progressiveness: the Chinese state’s hegemonic strategies in shaping domestic violence frames on social media
In the era of social media, authoritarian states are often viewed as barriers to progressive agendas, especially in literature that emphasizes the coercive nature of digital authoritarianism. Howev...
www.tandfonline.com
Authoritarian states are often seen as obstacles to progressive agendas. In this study, my coauthors (Muyang Li & Fan Yang) and I show that the state can also employ hegemonic measures to "confiscate" progressive discourse.
www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10....
www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10....
Reposted by Zhifan Luo
Happy to share our commentary is published on Big Data & Society today! Instead of seeing China as AI’s dystopian specter, what if we use it as a generative lens to rethink global AI?
journals.sagepub.com/doi/full/10....
journals.sagepub.com/doi/full/10....
October 17, 2025 at 5:14 PM
Happy to share our commentary is published on Big Data & Society today! Instead of seeing China as AI’s dystopian specter, what if we use it as a generative lens to rethink global AI?
journals.sagepub.com/doi/full/10....
journals.sagepub.com/doi/full/10....
Reposted by Zhifan Luo
NEWS: US Secretary of War Hegseth summons top military leaders for Party study session on Donald Trump Thought.
Exclusive: Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth ordered hundreds of generals to travel on short notice from around the world to hear him make a short speech on military standards and the “warrior ethos.”
New details emerge on Hegseth’s unusual mass gathering of top brass
Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth has summoned hundreds of generals for what is expected to be a short lecture on the “warrior ethos.” But top brass is bracing for possible firings or demotions.
www.washingtonpost.com
September 26, 2025 at 6:56 PM
NEWS: US Secretary of War Hegseth summons top military leaders for Party study session on Donald Trump Thought.
Wilson College at McMaster is hiring a TTAP or a tenured Associate Professor. Come join us!
www.academicwork.ca/jobs/jo-7203...
www.academicwork.ca/jobs/jo-7203...
Wilson College of Leadership and Civic Engagement - Faculty Appointment - CAUT | Academic Work
www.academicwork.ca
September 19, 2025 at 10:12 PM
Wilson College at McMaster is hiring a TTAP or a tenured Associate Professor. Come join us!
www.academicwork.ca/jobs/jo-7203...
www.academicwork.ca/jobs/jo-7203...
Reposted by Zhifan Luo
How should we think about China in today’s debates on AI and society, and how might China serve as a productive analytical lens? In this commentary, @zhifan-luo.bsky.social and I offer a typology to see China as mirror, prototype, counterpoint, and global actor.
papers.ssrn.com/sol3/papers....
papers.ssrn.com/sol3/papers....
China as an Analytical Lens for AI and Society
How can "China" serve as a productive analytical tool for understanding the relationship between artificial intelligence's and society? This commentar
papers.ssrn.com
September 17, 2025 at 6:22 PM
How should we think about China in today’s debates on AI and society, and how might China serve as a productive analytical lens? In this commentary, @zhifan-luo.bsky.social and I offer a typology to see China as mirror, prototype, counterpoint, and global actor.
papers.ssrn.com/sol3/papers....
papers.ssrn.com/sol3/papers....
Reposted by Zhifan Luo
This story is wild. Gift link
How a Top Secret SEAL Team 6 Mission Into North Korea Fell Apart www.nytimes.com/2025/09/05/u...
How a Top Secret SEAL Team 6 Mission Into North Korea Fell Apart www.nytimes.com/2025/09/05/u...
How a Top Secret SEAL Team 6 Mission Into North Korea Fell Apart
www.nytimes.com
September 6, 2025 at 2:51 PM
This story is wild. Gift link
How a Top Secret SEAL Team 6 Mission Into North Korea Fell Apart www.nytimes.com/2025/09/05/u...
How a Top Secret SEAL Team 6 Mission Into North Korea Fell Apart www.nytimes.com/2025/09/05/u...
Reposted by Zhifan Luo
How do journalists report on China?
@zhifan-luo.bsky.social (McMaster University) and @violazhou.bsky.social (@restofworld.org) discuss the evolving role of journalism in China and in the U.S.-China relationship.
▶️ Watch: https://www.ncuscr.org/video/us-china-journalism/
@zhifan-luo.bsky.social (McMaster University) and @violazhou.bsky.social (@restofworld.org) discuss the evolving role of journalism in China and in the U.S.-China relationship.
▶️ Watch: https://www.ncuscr.org/video/us-china-journalism/
What is the Role of Journalism in the U.S.-China Relationship?
Zhifan Luo and Viola Zhou joined us to discuss the evolving role of journalism in China and in the U.S.-China relationship.
www.ncuscr.org
August 22, 2025 at 7:59 PM
How do journalists report on China?
@zhifan-luo.bsky.social (McMaster University) and @violazhou.bsky.social (@restofworld.org) discuss the evolving role of journalism in China and in the U.S.-China relationship.
▶️ Watch: https://www.ncuscr.org/video/us-china-journalism/
@zhifan-luo.bsky.social (McMaster University) and @violazhou.bsky.social (@restofworld.org) discuss the evolving role of journalism in China and in the U.S.-China relationship.
▶️ Watch: https://www.ncuscr.org/video/us-china-journalism/
Reposted by Zhifan Luo
A book party of Asian American first-time authors. We’ll demystify the publishing process and create a space for solidarity. Writing and publishing is never just about research but navigating marginalization, visibility, and voice. Seats with lunch are limited to the First 50 RSVP: shorturl.at/SFuxF
July 18, 2025 at 5:59 PM
A book party of Asian American first-time authors. We’ll demystify the publishing process and create a space for solidarity. Writing and publishing is never just about research but navigating marginalization, visibility, and voice. Seats with lunch are limited to the First 50 RSVP: shorturl.at/SFuxF
Happy to share my thoughts on the role of pop culture in the context of U.S.-China tensions.
Why are the U.S. and China changing how they see each other?
Viola Zhou (@restofworld.org) & Zhifan Luo (McMaster University) explain why cultural issues are seen as paramount to security.
▶️ Watch: www.ncuscr.org/video/us-chi...
Viola Zhou (@restofworld.org) & Zhifan Luo (McMaster University) explain why cultural issues are seen as paramount to security.
▶️ Watch: www.ncuscr.org/video/us-chi...
Why are U.S.-China Cultural Perceptions So Tense?
Viola Zhou and Zhifan Luo explain why the U.S. and Chinese governments see cultural issues as paramount to security.
www.ncuscr.org
July 18, 2025 at 6:25 PM
Happy to share my thoughts on the role of pop culture in the context of U.S.-China tensions.
Reposted by Zhifan Luo
#OutNow in #iCS
Authoritarian states 'confiscate' progressive ideas, integrating civil discourse only to undermine it. Luo, Li & Yang's article on domestic violence in Chinese social media illustrates this hegemonic strategy.
www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10....
Authoritarian states 'confiscate' progressive ideas, integrating civil discourse only to undermine it. Luo, Li & Yang's article on domestic violence in Chinese social media illustrates this hegemonic strategy.
www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10....
Confiscating progressiveness: the Chinese state’s hegemonic strategies in shaping domestic violence frames on social media
In the era of social media, authoritarian states are often viewed as barriers to progressive agendas, especially in literature that emphasizes the coercive nature of digital authoritarianism. Howev...
www.tandfonline.com
June 13, 2025 at 1:51 PM
#OutNow in #iCS
Authoritarian states 'confiscate' progressive ideas, integrating civil discourse only to undermine it. Luo, Li & Yang's article on domestic violence in Chinese social media illustrates this hegemonic strategy.
www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10....
Authoritarian states 'confiscate' progressive ideas, integrating civil discourse only to undermine it. Luo, Li & Yang's article on domestic violence in Chinese social media illustrates this hegemonic strategy.
www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10....
Reposted by Zhifan Luo
Call For Contributions to an Edited Volume
Trauma, Reconciliation, and Mnemonic Justice in Modern China
Bin Xu (Emory)
Zhiyi Yang (Frankfurt)
Thomas B. Gold (Berkeley)
Abstract by September 1, 2025. Full paper by March 31, 2026. Volume to the press summer 2026. Details: binxu.net/call-for-con...
Trauma, Reconciliation, and Mnemonic Justice in Modern China
Bin Xu (Emory)
Zhiyi Yang (Frankfurt)
Thomas B. Gold (Berkeley)
Abstract by September 1, 2025. Full paper by March 31, 2026. Volume to the press summer 2026. Details: binxu.net/call-for-con...
May 28, 2025 at 12:51 PM
Call For Contributions to an Edited Volume
Trauma, Reconciliation, and Mnemonic Justice in Modern China
Bin Xu (Emory)
Zhiyi Yang (Frankfurt)
Thomas B. Gold (Berkeley)
Abstract by September 1, 2025. Full paper by March 31, 2026. Volume to the press summer 2026. Details: binxu.net/call-for-con...
Trauma, Reconciliation, and Mnemonic Justice in Modern China
Bin Xu (Emory)
Zhiyi Yang (Frankfurt)
Thomas B. Gold (Berkeley)
Abstract by September 1, 2025. Full paper by March 31, 2026. Volume to the press summer 2026. Details: binxu.net/call-for-con...
Reposted by Zhifan Luo
If you are looking to relocate to McMaster University, we have a CERC position for a social scientist. I am on leave and have no info…sorry!
universityaffairs.ca/search-job/?...
universityaffairs.ca/search-job/?...
Search Jobs - University Affairs
universityaffairs.ca
May 9, 2025 at 3:00 PM
If you are looking to relocate to McMaster University, we have a CERC position for a social scientist. I am on leave and have no info…sorry!
universityaffairs.ca/search-job/?...
universityaffairs.ca/search-job/?...
Authoritarian states are often seen as obstacles to progressive agendas. In this study, my coauthors (Muyang Li & Fan Yang) and I show that the state can also employ hegemonic measures to "confiscate" progressive discourse.
www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10....
www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10....
Confiscating progressiveness: the Chinese state’s hegemonic strategies in shaping domestic violence frames on social media
In the era of social media, authoritarian states are often viewed as barriers to progressive agendas, especially in literature that emphasizes the coercive nature of digital authoritarianism. Howev...
www.tandfonline.com
May 6, 2025 at 3:06 PM
Authoritarian states are often seen as obstacles to progressive agendas. In this study, my coauthors (Muyang Li & Fan Yang) and I show that the state can also employ hegemonic measures to "confiscate" progressive discourse.
www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10....
www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10....
Reposted by Zhifan Luo
THiS will hold its first Chinese Book Talk of 2025! On Apr. 22, 8:00–10:00 p.m. I’ll talk on my book, Authoritarian Absorption: The Transnational Remaking of Epidemic Politics in China (Oxford University Press, 2024). More info: www.thisoc.net/booktalk/boo...
April 11, 2025 at 3:53 PM
THiS will hold its first Chinese Book Talk of 2025! On Apr. 22, 8:00–10:00 p.m. I’ll talk on my book, Authoritarian Absorption: The Transnational Remaking of Epidemic Politics in China (Oxford University Press, 2024). More info: www.thisoc.net/booktalk/boo...
My sense of reality was blown out the window today.
In 25 years of covering national security, I’ve never seen a story like this: Senior Trump officials discussed planning for the U.S. attack on Yemen in a Signal group--and inadvertently added the editor-in-chief of The Atlantic. www.theatlantic.com/politics/arc...
The Trump Administration Accidentally Texted Me Its War Plans
U.S. national-security leaders included me in a group chat about upcoming military strikes in Yemen. I didn’t think it could be real. Then the bombs started falling.
www.theatlantic.com
March 24, 2025 at 7:20 PM
My sense of reality was blown out the window today.
Reposted by Zhifan Luo
As the United States launches an imperialist trade war against Canada and Mexico, it’s time for countries to come together to form an alliance against the US — and that includes rapidly curtailing their dependence on Silicon Valley.
The US can’t be allowed to get away with this.
The US can’t be allowed to get away with this.
We need an international alliance against the US and its tech industry
The United States must face consequences for economic warfare
www.disconnect.blog
March 4, 2025 at 5:07 PM
As the United States launches an imperialist trade war against Canada and Mexico, it’s time for countries to come together to form an alliance against the US — and that includes rapidly curtailing their dependence on Silicon Valley.
The US can’t be allowed to get away with this.
The US can’t be allowed to get away with this.
Reposted by Zhifan Luo
Join us this afternoon.
A panel on the Treasury this Thursday, with the incredible @epopppp.bsky.social and @abenewman.bsky.social.
This is not just for academics. Everyone needs to understand what's happening right now. Spread the word!
This is not just for academics. Everyone needs to understand what's happening right now. Spread the word!
February 6, 2025 at 3:08 PM
Join us this afternoon.
This year at the Canadian Sociological Association Conference, Alex Miltsov, Muyang Li, and I organized a session on Sociological Perspectives on Generative AI.
Don't forget to apply as there is one day left, and I look forward to seeing you in Toronto!
event.fourwaves.com/csa-scs-conf...
Don't forget to apply as there is one day left, and I look forward to seeing you in Toronto!
event.fourwaves.com/csa-scs-conf...
January 26, 2025 at 4:43 PM
This year at the Canadian Sociological Association Conference, Alex Miltsov, Muyang Li, and I organized a session on Sociological Perspectives on Generative AI.
Don't forget to apply as there is one day left, and I look forward to seeing you in Toronto!
event.fourwaves.com/csa-scs-conf...
Don't forget to apply as there is one day left, and I look forward to seeing you in Toronto!
event.fourwaves.com/csa-scs-conf...
Reposted by Zhifan Luo
After my experience teaching last semester I'm ready to take a very strong, and very unpopular, stand: Having an anti-AI policy in your class for at-home assignments is unethical. Full stop. If you don't want students to use AI (needed at times!), this can only be done for in-class exercises/exams.
January 13, 2025 at 11:05 PM
After my experience teaching last semester I'm ready to take a very strong, and very unpopular, stand: Having an anti-AI policy in your class for at-home assignments is unethical. Full stop. If you don't want students to use AI (needed at times!), this can only be done for in-class exercises/exams.
Reposted by Zhifan Luo
My new book (Authoritarian Absorption: The Transnational Remaking of Epidemic Politics in China) drops! Wanna know how China gained capacities dealing with COVID-19? Why gay rights can be illiberal? Etc. check it out! www.amazon.com/Authoritaria...
Authoritarian Absorption: The Transnational Remaking of Epidemic Politics in China
Amazon.com: Authoritarian Absorption: The Transnational Remaking of Epidemic Politics in China: 9780190900199: Long, Yan: Books
www.amazon.com
December 12, 2024 at 9:40 PM
My new book (Authoritarian Absorption: The Transnational Remaking of Epidemic Politics in China) drops! Wanna know how China gained capacities dealing with COVID-19? Why gay rights can be illiberal? Etc. check it out! www.amazon.com/Authoritaria...
Reposted by Zhifan Luo
Come join my online book talk/discussion next Friday EST.
Zoom ID: 852 364 4345
Passcode: sociology
Zoom ID: 852 364 4345
Passcode: sociology
November 30, 2024 at 5:14 AM
Come join my online book talk/discussion next Friday EST.
Zoom ID: 852 364 4345
Passcode: sociology
Zoom ID: 852 364 4345
Passcode: sociology
Reposted by Zhifan Luo
Please mark your calendar for Dec. 6, 8:00–10:00 p.m. ET, for
@yingyaowang.bsky.social
’s talk on her wonderful new book “Markets with Bureaucratic Characteristics: How Economic Bureaucrats Make Policies and Remake the Chinese State” (Columbia University Press, 2024).
@yingyaowang.bsky.social
’s talk on her wonderful new book “Markets with Bureaucratic Characteristics: How Economic Bureaucrats Make Policies and Remake the Chinese State” (Columbia University Press, 2024).
November 29, 2024 at 6:12 PM
Please mark your calendar for Dec. 6, 8:00–10:00 p.m. ET, for
@yingyaowang.bsky.social
’s talk on her wonderful new book “Markets with Bureaucratic Characteristics: How Economic Bureaucrats Make Policies and Remake the Chinese State” (Columbia University Press, 2024).
@yingyaowang.bsky.social
’s talk on her wonderful new book “Markets with Bureaucratic Characteristics: How Economic Bureaucrats Make Policies and Remake the Chinese State” (Columbia University Press, 2024).
Glad to see the growth of the literature on participatory censorship! For our paper proposing the term, please check here: journals.sagepub.com/doi/full/10....
November 27, 2024 at 9:03 PM
Glad to see the growth of the literature on participatory censorship! For our paper proposing the term, please check here: journals.sagepub.com/doi/full/10....
On Dec 4 at 8 PM (ET), THiS Workshop of Chinese Societies will host a session featuring @drjcw.bsky.social’s project titled “Chinese American or American Chinese?: WeChat and the Hybrid Identity of Chinese Immigrants in the U.S.” Join us on Zoom: concordia-ca.zoom.us/j/8951907632...
Join our Cloud HD Video Meeting
Zoom is the leader in modern enterprise video communications, with an easy, reliable cloud platform for video and audio conferencing, chat, and webinars across mobile, desktop, and room systems. Zoom ...
concordia-ca.zoom.us
November 23, 2024 at 4:34 PM
On Dec 4 at 8 PM (ET), THiS Workshop of Chinese Societies will host a session featuring @drjcw.bsky.social’s project titled “Chinese American or American Chinese?: WeChat and the Hybrid Identity of Chinese Immigrants in the U.S.” Join us on Zoom: concordia-ca.zoom.us/j/8951907632...
Reposted by Zhifan Luo
I created a starter pack for sociologists studying China: go.bsky.app/NetJdDm. We study China’s labor, gender, family, inequality, organizations, education, professions, media, civil society, protests, immigration, as well as politics and history.
Let me know if you want to be added (or removed).
Let me know if you want to be added (or removed).
November 20, 2024 at 9:59 PM
I created a starter pack for sociologists studying China: go.bsky.app/NetJdDm. We study China’s labor, gender, family, inequality, organizations, education, professions, media, civil society, protests, immigration, as well as politics and history.
Let me know if you want to be added (or removed).
Let me know if you want to be added (or removed).