Third thoughts

Light spoilers for The Dragon Republic ahead

They came bearing gifts of medicine, technological progress, and God.

In The Dragon Republic, the Hesperians arrive in Nikan with promises of enlightenment, science, and salvation. All Rin — and the fragile Republic — had to do, is fall in line.

Sound familiar?

Kuang draws unmistakable parallels between the fictional Hesperians and real-world colonizers, especially 19th-century Western Christian missionaries from empires like Great Britain and France. Their mission? Civilize the “barbarians.” Save their eternal souls. And in the process, erase their cultures.

🧠 A “Civilizing Mission”: Missionary Tactics in 19th-Century China

Missionaries didn’t start with swords. Their mission was benevolent and morally sound- remember? The use of outright violence would certainly contradict their sense of righteousness. But here are some of their most common tactics, I’ll leave the judgement on morality up to you:

• Education: Mission-run schools taught Western-style curricula, often de-emphasizing or outright dismissing Confucian and traditional Chinese teachings.
• Medicine, Charity & Aid used as a manipulation tactic: Hospitals run by missionaries offered Western treatments in exchange for religious instruction. Missionaries offered food, jobs, and shelter to the poor, but often required participation in Christian practices as a condition.
• Cultural Supremacy: Chinese spiritual practices (Daoism, Buddhism, ancestor veneration) were labeled “demonic,” “superstitious,” or “uncivilized,” dehumanizing people under the guise of saving them.

“‘We are not equals…but that doesn’t mean we can’t be friends. And I don’t think the path to salvation involves treating you like you’re not people.’ Augus, Rin realized, really thought that he was being kind.”

-The Dragon RepublicRin and Co. bear witness to Hesperian air ships. Posted by Aymon Naqvi on Pinterest

✝️ “Salvation” by Subjugation

The Hesperians in The Poppy War continuously frame their mission as charitable, no- more than that, they frame their mission as noble, heroic, and selfless. Ick.

But let’s take a look at all the ugly behind that mask.

Sister Petra experiments on Rin like she’s an animal. Augus speaks to her like a kind-hearted master to a clever pet. Even their most “friendly” intentions are steeped in condescension.

They’re not just missionaries, they’re scientists and soldiers of ideology. And the tragedy isn’t simply that they’re cruel…it’s that they believe they’re right. Morally, objectively, right.

“They believe in a singular and all-powerful deity, which means they cannot accept the truth of other gods. And when nations start to believe that other beliefs lead to damnation, violence becomes inevitable”

-The Sorqan Sira

🔥 Kuang’s Critique: A Mirror to Empire

Kuang isn’t just telling a fantasy story. She’s holding up a cracked and bloody mirror to the devastating impact of religious colonization.

What does it mean to have your gods called false?

Your strength labeled evil?

Your identity reframed as a disease?

The Dragon Republic is a searing critique of imperialism. Thankfully, Rin is not easily manipulated, and it’s refreshing to read a story like this from the perspective of someone who is grounded in her beliefs, and calls the Hesperians out for what they are- full of sh*t.

Fang Runin by @palinlineart on IG

🌍 Final Reflection: What If We Don’t Have All the Answers?

In the end, the book raises questions that we could all stand to reflect on:

• What if others don’t believe the same things you do — and that’s okay?
• What if truth isn’t singular?
• What if righteousness isn’t universal? Maybe we do not have all the answers. Maybe you’re wrong, and the world doesn’t need saving.

Rin & Kitay by @feluart on IG