Hong Kong from 1997 to 2019: A Struggle of Localism under One Country, Two Systems

This paper examines the evolving identity crisis in Hong Kong from 1997 to 2019 under the "One Country, Two Systems" policy. By analyzing the intersection of nationalism,cultural boundaries, and political sovereignty, it explores how Hong Kongers' identity has shifted in response to China's increasing influence. Drawing on theories of nationalism from Benedict Anderson, Kevin Carrico, and Frederik Barth, the study investigates the construction of Hong Kong identity through processes of Orientalizing, segmentation, and encompassment. It argues that Hong Kong's struggle is not just a political conflict but an anthropologgical case of contested nationhood, where historical, economic, and social factors have fueled a distinct sense of localism. The paper also reflects on how censorship and ideological control shape narratives of identity, particularly through the translation and adaptation of scholarly works on nationalism. Ultimately, it highlights how Hong Kong's unique identity dilemma challenges conventional notions of borders, belonging, and nationhood in contemporary geopolitical discourse.