Hong Kong: the Torn City

Abstract

This article explains why Hong Kong is a “torn city” with divisions in society resulting from the historical alignment of the city with the West, and the economic and political integration with Mainland China that reflects the vision of the governing and business elite of the city being part of the rise of China. The “torn city” reflects cultural divisions between the Western model of capitalism and governance and the communist system of the People's Republic of China. This cultural division and the resultant popular discontent have been exacerbated by poor governance in Hong Kong with a local government and the business elite that has resisted changes in governance to improve the welfare of those of the population who have not benefitted from economic growth in the city.