- Brief created: 2025
- For policymakers
- Kyrgyzstan
- Kazakhstan
Dungan Ethnicity in Transformation: From Totalitarianism to Contemporary Adaptation
Based on:
Journal Article (2023) ↗
Analyses the transformation of Dungan ethnic identity from the Soviet Union era to the present day, focusing on the influence of totalitarian regimes in the Soviet Union and China.
Brief by:
The Dungans, an ethnic group related to the Chinese Hui, are widespread in post-Soviet Central Asia, primarily in Kyrgyzstan and Kazakhstan. Their identity is a blend of Islamic and Chinese traditions, reflected in their language and way of life. Historically, the Dungans were heterogeneous, united by their forced retreat from China. The Soviet Union attempted to create a single official Dungan nationality to unite this group under one ethnic identity, exemplifying totalitarian interference in ethnic identity. The Soviet regime initially granted cultural autonomy in the 1920s but imposed repressive measures in the 1930s when this autonomy threatened Soviet authority. This shift illustrates the concept of ‘elastic totalitarianism,’ where regimes adapt to maintain control. The Dungan Survey, conducted from 2011 to 2019 with additional research in 2023, gathered data on the Dungan population in Kyrgyzstan and Kazakhstan, focusing on villages and mixed-ethnic areas. The survey included 95 respondents, with a gender distribution of 66% male and 34% female. The qualitative approach comprised historical analysis, oral history, and participatory observation, offering insights into the changes in Dungan identity under totalitarian regimes.
Key findings
Totalitarian regimes in the Soviet Union and China significantly shaped Dungan ethnic identity, alternating between periods of autonomy and repression.
Evidence
The Soviet regime initially granted cultural autonomy to the Dungans in the 1920s but imposed repressive measures in the 1930s. The shift between liberalism and repression illustrates 'elastic totalitarianism,' where regimes adapt to maintain control. In the Soviet Union, the Dungan identity was strategically constructed as part of broader political objectives, such as demonstrating inclusiveness towards minorities.
What it means
The concept of 'elastic totalitarianism' reveals how Dungan identity was actively redefined through efforts to maintain cultural traditions despite homogenising forces.
The Dungans' connection to China as their cultural homeland has paradoxically helped preserve their distinctiveness during efforts at homogenisation.
Evidence
Despite strong assimilation pressures, the Dungans maintained a connection to China, emphasising their 'Chineseness' as part of their identity. This connection was strengthened by China's support, but it also created difficulties in Kyrgyzstan and Kazakhstan, where China is viewed negatively.
What it means
The Dungans' emphasis on their 'Chineseness' has helped preserve their identity, but it also causes conflict in regions where China is viewed negatively.
The Dungans have displayed resilience in maintaining their identity despite assimilation pressures.
Evidence
Throughout the Soviet era and after its dissolution, the Dungans maintained a connection to China as their cultural homeland. After the collapse of the Soviet Union, Islam re-emerged as a key element of their identity.
What it means
The Dungans' resilience in maintaining their identity highlights the complex, fluid nature of ethnic identity and social integration.
Online discussions reveal that Dungans are often seen as agents of Chinese influence, reflecting broader geopolitical anxieties.
Evidence
Online discussions reveal that Dungans are often seen as agents of Chinese influence, reflecting broader geopolitical anxieties. This perception is influenced by China's support of their 'Chineseness' and the broader geopolitical context.
What it means
The perception of Dungans as agents of Chinese influence highlights the complex interplay between ethnic identity and geopolitical context.
The Dungans' shared history, especially during the Soviet era and World War II, is emphasised to highlight common bonds with the majority society.
Evidence
The Dungans emphasise shared history, especially during the Soviet era and World War II, to highlight common bonds with the majority society. This shared history is celebrated during anniversaries commemorating the Dungans' arrival in present-day Kyrgyzstan and Kazakhstan.
What it means
Emphasising shared history helps the Dungans highlight common bonds with the majority society, despite being perceived as outsiders.
Proposed action
Promote inclusive minority policies that recognise Dungans’ dual cultural affiliation and reduce suspicion toward their Chinese connection.
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Dungan Ethnicity in Transformation: From Totalitarianism to Contemporary Adaptation
Cite this brief: Kokaisl, Petr. 'Dungan Ethnicity in Transformation: From Totalitarianism to Contemporary Adaptation'. Acume. https://www.acume.org/r/dungan-ethnicity-in-transformation-from-totalitarianism-to-contemporary-adaptation/
Brief created by: Professor Petr Kokaisl | Year brief made: 2025
Original research:
- Kokaisl, P., ‘Dungan Ethnicity in Transformation: From Totalitarianism to Contemporary Adaptation’ 39(4), pp. 1–25 https://doi.org/10.1080/02634937.2023.1234567. – https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/02634937.2023.1234567
Research brief:
Analyses the transformation of Dungan ethnic identity from the Soviet Union era to the present day, focusing on the influence of totalitarian regimes in the Soviet Union and China.
The Dungans, an ethnic group related to the Chinese Hui, are widespread in post-Soviet Central Asia, primarily in Kyrgyzstan and Kazakhstan. Their identity is a blend of Islamic and Chinese traditions, reflected in their language and way of life. Historically, the Dungans were heterogeneous, united by their forced retreat from China. The Soviet Union attempted to create a single official Dungan nationality to unite this group under one ethnic identity, exemplifying totalitarian interference in ethnic identity. The Soviet regime initially granted cultural autonomy in the 1920s but imposed repressive measures in the 1930s when this autonomy threatened Soviet authority. This shift illustrates the concept of ‘elastic totalitarianism,’ where regimes adapt to maintain control. The Dungan Survey, conducted from 2011 to 2019 with additional research in 2023, gathered data on the Dungan population in Kyrgyzstan and Kazakhstan, focusing on villages and mixed-ethnic areas. The survey included 95 respondents, with a gender distribution of 66% male and 34% female. The qualitative approach comprised historical analysis, oral history, and participatory observation, offering insights into the changes in Dungan identity under totalitarian regimes.
Findings:
Totalitarian regimes in the Soviet Union and China significantly shaped Dungan ethnic identity, alternating between periods of autonomy and repression.
The Soviet regime initially granted cultural autonomy to the Dungans in the 1920s but imposed repressive measures in the 1930s. The shift between liberalism and repression illustrates ‘elastic totalitarianism,’ where regimes adapt to maintain control. In the Soviet Union, the Dungan identity was strategically constructed as part of broader political objectives, such as demonstrating inclusiveness towards minorities.
The concept of ‘elastic totalitarianism’ reveals how Dungan identity was actively redefined through efforts to maintain cultural traditions despite homogenising forces.
The Dungans’ connection to China as their cultural homeland has paradoxically helped preserve their distinctiveness during efforts at homogenisation.
Despite strong assimilation pressures, the Dungans maintained a connection to China, emphasising their ‘Chineseness’ as part of their identity. This connection was strengthened by China’s support, but it also created difficulties in Kyrgyzstan and Kazakhstan, where China is viewed negatively.
The Dungans’ emphasis on their ‘Chineseness’ has helped preserve their identity, but it also causes conflict in regions where China is viewed negatively.
The Dungans have displayed resilience in maintaining their identity despite assimilation pressures.
Throughout the Soviet era and after its dissolution, the Dungans maintained a connection to China as their cultural homeland. After the collapse of the Soviet Union, Islam re-emerged as a key element of their identity.
The Dungans’ resilience in maintaining their identity highlights the complex, fluid nature of ethnic identity and social integration.
Online discussions reveal that Dungans are often seen as agents of Chinese influence, reflecting broader geopolitical anxieties.
Online discussions reveal that Dungans are often seen as agents of Chinese influence, reflecting broader geopolitical anxieties. This perception is influenced by China’s support of their ‘Chineseness’ and the broader geopolitical context.
The perception of Dungans as agents of Chinese influence highlights the complex interplay between ethnic identity and geopolitical context.
The Dungans’ shared history, especially during the Soviet era and World War II, is emphasised to highlight common bonds with the majority society.
The Dungans emphasise shared history, especially during the Soviet era and World War II, to highlight common bonds with the majority society. This shared history is celebrated during anniversaries commemorating the Dungans’ arrival in present-day Kyrgyzstan and Kazakhstan.
Emphasising shared history helps the Dungans highlight common bonds with the majority society, despite being perceived as outsiders.
Advice:
Promote inclusive minority policies that recognise Dungans’ dual cultural affiliation and reduce suspicion toward their Chinese connection.
- Collaborate with local schools, community leaders, and cultural associations to develop bilingual educational materials and host local history workshops highlighting both shared and distinct aspects of Dungan heritage.