Pekingology The Idea of China
10 snips
Oct 17, 2024 
Mark Leonard, co-founder and director of the European Council on Foreign Relations, shares his insights on China's evolving identity and influence. They dive into the shifting perceptions of China since the 2008 Olympics, emphasizing its dual approach to international relations. Leonard contrasts Chinese and Western views on global order, exploring how ideology shapes governance under Xi Jinping. The conversation highlights the importance of nuanced understandings of China's global strategies and the key thinkers contributing to contemporary discourse about its role on the world stage.
AI Snips
Chapters
Transcript
Episode notes
Leonard's China Intellectual Journey
- Mark Leonard's initial interest in China was accidental while working on global issues unrelated to China.
- His curiosity grew from discovering vibrant debates among Chinese intellectuals not covered in Western media.
China's Model Emancipation Since 2008
- The 2008 Olympics and global financial crisis marked a turning point in China's self-perception.
- Since then, China has emphasized state involvement and innovative political economy models distinct from the West.
China's Intellectuals Remain Obscure
- Chinese intellectuals remain largely unknown in the West despite China's global rise.
- Political tensions and reduced human contacts have decreased Western curiosity about Chinese ideas.