TITLE:
Macau’s Evolving Identity and Economy: From Colonial Legacy to Casino Capitalism and Belt and Road Integration
AUTHORS:
Jean A. Berlie Manuel Benard
KEYWORDS:
Society, Associations, Chinese of Macau, Macanese, Politics
JOURNAL NAME:
Open Journal of Social Sciences,
Vol.13 No.5,
May
27,
2025
ABSTRACT: Macau is a Special Administrative Region (SAR) of China with over five centuries of history shaped by cultural exchanges between China and Portugal. This article analyzes the evolution of Macau’s society, politics, associations, and economy in the post-1999 era, following its return to China under the principle of “One Country, Two Systems.” The study explores how Macau has maintained social harmony and a hybrid cultural identity while navigating profound political and economic transformations influenced by both globalization and increasing Mainlandization. The Chinese of Macau are predominantly Cantonese, with a significant proportion originating from Fujian province. They share a strong local identity and allegiance to China, while the Portuguese language remains an official language of the SAR. Civil society organizations such as the General Union of Neighborhood Associations of Macau (GUNA) and the Women’s General Association of Macau play a crucial role in fostering unity and aligning social development with Beijing’s policies. Economically, Macau has evolved from a monopoly-based gambling economy to a liberalized and globally integrated model, transforming into the world’s largest gaming hub. The rise of influential business figures, notably Pansy Ho, reflects the intersection of local entrepreneurship with global capital flows in the context of casino capitalism. However, Macau faces challenges related to income inequality, over-dependence on the gaming sector, and the need for sustainable economic diversification, particularly in the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic. Moreover, Macau’s strategic position within China’s Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) and the Greater Bay Area development plan reinforces its role as a cultural and economic bridge between China and Portuguese-speaking countries. Government-led initiatives promote non-gaming sectors, regional integration, infrastructure modernization, and soft-power diplomacy. Macau SAR’s capacity to leverage its historical legacy while adapting to new economic paradigms highlights its unique resilience and strategic importance in China’s global outreach. In conclusion, Macau exemplifies a distinctive model of cultural hybridity, political adaptation, and economic pragmatism. Its enduring role as a crossroads of civilizations is now redefined within the framework of “One Country, Two Systems”, aligning its local identity with China’s broader national and international strategies.