On the Game Between People and the State in Crisis: A Case Study of Jacquinot Safe Zone in Shanghai (1937-1940)

Based on the theory of transnational initiative networks, this paper attempts to explore the mechanism and process of the game between people and countries in crisis situations. Different from the original “initiative network”, the establishment of the “Jacquinot safe zone” during the Anti-Japanese War not only symbolized a way of interaction between human security and national security but also highlighted the political framework of the game between “people” and the state. RaoJiaju (Robert Jacquinot de Besange) on the one hand, strengthened his reputation and legitimacy through exchanges with the International Red Cross. On the other hand, he negotiated with authorities in China, Japan and Western countries, forming a strategy of “soft checks and balances” against the country. Rao Jiaju’s Religious identity and his friendship with authorities are “pressure levers” in the game with the country, requiring the country in a state of war to recognize the “security zone”. Finally, after the establishment of the “security zone” in Shanghai, Rao Jiaju obtained the power of issues, and gradually extended this model to Hankou and other places.