In recent years, scholarly research in the humanities within China has flourished and been undergoing profound transformations. To summarize new phenomena, developments, and trends in the field, and to promote the prosperity and advancement of humanities scholarship while enhancing public awareness and engagement, Wen Shi Zhe (《文史哲》) ，in collaboration with China Reading Weekly（《中华读书报》）, has jointly launched the selection of the “Top Ten Academic Hotspots in China’s Humanities for 2024.” This marks the tenth edition of the annual selection.

“Great Unification”（Da Yi Tong大一统）was selected as one of the “Top Ten Academic Hotspots in China’s Humanities for 2024.” In recent years, the concept of “Great Unification” has again emerged as a focal point in the study of ancient Chinese history. In August 2024, the Institute of Qing History of Renmin University of China convened an international academic symposium on “The Formation and Practice of China's ‘Great Unification’” to probe the historical evolution and contemporary relevance of this enduring idea.

       Key themes under discussion included the relationship between Great Unification and dynastic legitimacy, ethnic historical memory, the geopolitical structure of agrarian and nomadic regions, and the transformation of modern China. Long regarded as a distinctly Chinese political tradition, the concept of Great Unification has been seen as a fundamental force in maintaining the cohesion and continuity of Chinese civilization. In the context of contemporary challenges, its interpretive power is being newly revitalized.

       Through cross-dynastic and multi-perspective research, scholars have reaffirmed the close connection between the idea of Great Unification and China’s indigenous historical trajectory, as well as its role in shaping the unique characteristics of Chinese civilization. Furthermore, it has become increasingly clear that the Great Unification ideal, as a deeply ingrained and enduring principle, has in many ways shaped the structural form and developmental path of Chinese society.

       As one of the cores of Chinese civilization, the concept of Great Unification has become an essential keyword for understanding the course of China’s historical development.

Top Ten Academic Hotspots in China’s Humanities for 2024 are as follows：

1.学界深入阐释习近平文化思想，以文化主体性建设回应古今中西之争

2.中希联合举办首届世界古典学大会，古典学成为文明互鉴新桥梁

3.国际儒学联合会第七届会员大会召开，儒学现代转型打开新格局

4.学界纪念康德诞辰300周年，汉语康德学的跨文化优势未来可期

5.理解历史中国的根本特质，“大一统观”再度引领古代史研究热潮

6.党史领域材料与视野大幅拓展，“新革命史”研究更趋丰富深入

7.丁玲、柳青佚作重现文坛，左翼文学传统呈现全新学术图景

8.“从中国出发的全球史”蔚然兴起，人类共同的历史叙事有待重构

9.古典神魔小说IP持续火爆，中国传统文化资源展现惊人活力

10.《唐五代诗全编》再现唐诗生态，古典文献整理的未来引发深思