American History Hit Frenemies: China & the USA, a History
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Jun 30, 2025 
Rana Mitter, S. T. Lee Professor of U.S.-Asia Relations at Harvard, discusses the tumultuous history of U.S.-China relations since the 1949 establishment of the People's Republic of China. He explores the tumultuous shifts from WWII to the Cold War, including Mao's rise and perceptions of betrayal. The conversation dives into the complexities of economic interdependence paired with rising tensions, key moments like Nixon's visit, and China's nuclear ambitions, painting a vivid picture of the evolving dynamics between these two global giants.
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Rise of the CCP to Power
- The Chinese Communist Party grew from a tiny secretive group in 1921 to victorious rulers in 1949.
- Their success relied on guerrilla tactics, Soviet aid, and peasant support during WWII and civil war.
China's Political-Economic Structure
- The People's Republic of China is a party state ruled by a Marxist-Leninist party prioritizing party interests.
- Since 1949, China shifted from a Soviet-style command economy to market socialism with global connections post-1970s.
Misconception of Losing China
- The US debate "who lost China" reflects misunderstanding that regime change depends only on US actions.
- China's communist victory was mostly driven by internal factors, not US failures.