The Local Logic of Constructing China's Anti-Drug Narrative System

Abstract

This paper examines the local logic of China’s anti-drug narrative system through the three core frameworks of “home-state isomorphism” narrative, “people’s war” narrative and “responsible great power” narrative. With the help of narrative theory and critical discourse analysis, this paper analyzes how these frameworks are rooted in the historical experience of China’s Opium War, the cultural logic of traditional countries, the mobilization of revolutionary masses and the evolving global role. Studies have shown that although these narratives have strong domestic mobilization capabilities and contribute to China’s participation in global drug governance, they also face significant challenges in international communication, including cultural particularities, stigmatization of drug users, and excessive dependence on abstract data. In order to enhance cross-cultural adaptability, this paper proposes several narrative optimization strategies: de-essentialization and re-contextualization of the home-country narrative; change the narrative of “people’s war” from mobilization to participation and co-governance; shift the “responsible power” narrative from data-centered to story-centered; turn public diplomacy from monologue mode to dialogue and cooperation mode. This paper argues that optimizing China’s anti-drug narrative system is crucial to maintaining its unique cultural and political roots while enhancing the effectiveness of international communication.