UC San Diego

My dissertation employs computational methods to explore the complex relationship between media and politics in modern China. It consists of three interconnected studies. First, I analyze how the government uses newspapers to boost its legitimacy, focusing on the publicity of punitive actions against corrupt local officials. Second, I examine intra-party dynamics, revealing how media narratives on corruption are used to weaken rival factions within the Chinese Communist Party. Lastly, I explore the state's control over social media, specifically the implications of geographic tagging in online discourse on public matters. Overall, my work offers a data-driven insight into the intricate interplay of media, political actors, and societal norms in China.