Abstract: Prasenjit Durara’s studies of Chinese nationalism have profound theoretical background. First of all, his research reflects his concerns for the interconnected reality of nationalist movements and globalization. Second, his studies have been under the influence of recent theoretical research, especially in the international academia during the 20th century. Third, the rise of Postmodernism and Postcolonialism has provided his research with resources for thinking. In addition, his research is the incarnation of the attention to the issues in Chinese nationalism from the Chinese researchers in America and the continuation of their achievements. Finally, his research manifests the crystallization of the retrospections by the Chinese scholars in America since 1960’s.

Key words: Prasenjit Duara, research on Chinese nationalism, theoretical background