Beneath the Official Narrative: Understanding Xinjiang Through Accumulation by Dispossession An in-depth analysis of the Chinese Communist Party’s dispossessory strategies in Xinjiang from 2017 to the present

Abstract

This thesis investigates the dynamics of the CCP policies in Xinjiang from 2017 onwards, applying David Harvey’s theory of AbD. By analyzing CCP strategies, the research highlights the profound impact on the lives of Uyghurs through four key elements of AbD: management and manipulation of crises, privatization and commodification, state redistributions, and financialization. The manipulation of counter-terrorism and poverty alleviation narratives has justified mass incarcerations and cultural assimilation, leading to both economic and cultural dispossession of Uyghurs. Land transfers and the “Three-Rights Separation” reform have facilitated the commodification and privatization of Uyghur lands. State redistributions, through subsidies and economic incentives, have supported Han migration to Xinjiang, altering the demographic landscape. Furthermore, it has supported economically the two first mentioned aspects. Finally, deregulation policies have attracted foreign investment, completing the dispossession cycle. This comprehensive analysis reveals how economic, cultural, and social dimensions are interconnected, illustrating a systematic strategy of accumulation through dispossession, significantly impacting the Uyghur community. Further research is recommended to delve deeper into the impact of economic sector changes, particularly tourism, on Uyghur dispossession.