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China’s Underground Historians: A Conversation with Ian Johnson
Sep 26, 2023
Ian Johnson, author of Sparks: China's Underground Historians and Their Battle for the Future, discusses underground historians in China and their battle for control of the country's history. He explains how these historians challenge the official narrative and potentially shape the future trajectory of China. Johnson urges Western intellectuals to engage with these historians and recognize their work in an authoritarian system.
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Quick takeaways
- Underground historians in China challenge the government narrative and aim to uncover suppressed historical truths, contributing to a more nuanced understanding of Chinese history.
- Engaging with underground historians can shape China's future trajectory by challenging prevailing narratives, spreading information, and potentially contributing to social movements and shifts in public opinion.
Deep dives
The Rise of Underground Historians in China
This podcast episode features a discussion with Ian Johnson, a Senior Fellow for China Studies, about his book 'Sparks: China's Underground Historians and their Battle for the Future'. Johnson highlights the emergence of underground historians in China who challenge the official government narrative and aim to uncover suppressed historical truths. He emphasizes the importance of recognizing and engaging with these historians, who have persevered despite government restrictions and censorship. Johnson also explores how these historians impact China's trajectory, urging for a more nuanced understanding of China beyond the prevailing view of it being a monolithic authoritarian state.
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