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Jasmine Sun on Silicon Valley through a Chinese Mirror

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Sep 22, 2025

Jasmine Sun is an insightful writer examining the 'anthropology of disruption,' drawing parallels between Silicon Valley and China's dynamic landscape. In this discussion, she shares her recent experiences traveling in China, tackling the stark contrasts of hypermodernity she witnessed. Alongside co-host Tianyu Fang, they delve into shifting Silicon Valley attitudes towards China, the tension of consumer ease versus surveillance, and the rapid changes in Chinese cities compared to San Francisco. They also explore cultural insights and recommend must-try food and literature for anyone intrigued by these worlds.

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INSIGHT

US Tone Shifting Toward China

A recent vibe shift in U.S. discourse blends fear with envy toward China's rapid modernization.
American elites increasingly peer at China as a tacit model for infrastructural and technological ambition.

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ANECDOTE

Family Migration Across Generations

Jasmine recounts her grandmother's 1953 voyage from Indonesia to Fujian to pursue education and nation-building.
She contrasts that migration with her mother's move to the U.S. and how trajectories of China and America diverged.

insights

INSIGHT

Writing From Diaspora, Not Authority

Jasmine frames her essay as a diasporic mirror: writing about Americans' reactions in China rather than claiming full expertise on China.
She emphasizes being a visitor-with-roots and the limits that implies.

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Jasmine's Angle and Silicon Valley's Vibe Shift

07:17 • 7min

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Crossings, Wang Huning Echoes, and Surveillance Unease

14:07 • 12min

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Pace of Change, DeepSeek, and Tech Motivations

26:06 • 14min

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Involution, Tradeoffs, and How to Travel to Learn

40:17 • 22min

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Books, Media, and Food Recommendations

• Mentioned in 6 episodes

America Against America

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Wang Huning

Wang Huning's "America Against America" offers a critical analysis of the American political system, focusing on the role of special interests and their influence on policymaking. The book argues that the dominance of these groups leads to gridlock and prevents effective long-term strategic planning. Huning's perspective is shaped by his extensive research and time spent studying in American universities. The book's central thesis is that the US political system is susceptible to capture by powerful interests, hindering its ability to address complex challenges. This analysis resonates with broader discussions about the challenges facing late-stage democracies.

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Political order and political decay

From the Industrial Revolution to the Globalisation of Democracy

Francis Fukuyama

In this book, Francis Fukuyama continues his exploration of the formation and decay of political societies, begun in 'The Origins of Political Order'. He examines the development of modern political institutions from the French Revolution to contemporary times, including the impact of industrialization, colonialism, and the rise of global democracy. Fukuyama argues that a well-functioning modern state requires a balance between a strong, efficient state, the rule of law, and democratic accountability. He critiques the current state of American politics, highlighting issues such as 'vetocracy' and the judicialization of political processes, which he believes contribute to political decay. The book also explores case studies from various regions, including Europe, Asia, and Latin America, to illustrate different paths of political development and decay.

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• Mentioned in 10 episodes

The origins of political order

Francis Fukuyama

In this book, Francis Fukuyama argues that a stable democratic society is built on three main components: a strong and capable state, the rule of law, and accountability mechanisms. He explores the evolution of these traits through various historical cultures, from the emergence of tribal societies to the development of modern states in China, India, and Europe. Fukuyama draws on a vast body of knowledge including history, evolutionary biology, archaeology, and economics to provide fresh insights on the origins of democratic societies and the challenges they face. The book also examines the roles of violence and religion in shaping political order and highlights the importance of balancing state power with social forces to achieve accountability and stability.

#729

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AI superpowers

China, Silicon Valley, and the New World Order

Kai-Fu Lee

In this book, Kai-Fu Lee argues that China is poised to become the next tech-innovation superpower due to its unique advantages in AI development, such as abundant data, fewer data protection regulations, and aggressive tech startup culture. Lee discusses the potential economic upheaval caused by AI, the impact on employment, and proposes a social contract to forge a new synergy between AI and human society. The book emphasizes the need for both the US and China to accept and embrace the responsibilities that come with significant technological power.

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• Mentioned in 8 episodes

The Red and The Black

Stendhal

Set in France during the Bourbon Restoration, 'The Red and the Black' follows Julien Sorel, a young man from a humble background who seeks to rise through society using his intelligence and charm. The novel explores themes of ambition, love, and the societal pressures of the time. It is a satirical critique of French society and politics, reflecting Stendhal's own experiences and views on the era.

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The End of History and the Last Man

Francis Fukuyama

In this book, Francis Fukuyama posits that human history is moving towards a state of idealized harmony through the mechanisms of liberal democracy. He argues that liberal democracy is the final form of human government, driven by two powerful forces: the logic of modern science and the struggle for recognition. Fukuyama draws on the philosophical ideas of Hegel and Kojeve, suggesting that liberal democracy meets the economic and psychological needs of humanity, including the desire for recognition and dignity. The book explores the implications of this thesis, including the potential paradox that the satisfaction of basic needs might lead to a lack of outlets for human striving and recognition.

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• Mentioned in 27 episodes

Breakneck

Dan Wang

In *Breakneck*, Dan Wang explores China's transformation into an *engineering state*, relentlessly pursuing megaprojects, contrasting it with America's *lawyerly society*. The book delves into China's economic ascent and the social engineering costs, such as zero-COVID and the one-child policy, offering insights into global geopolitics.

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• Mentioned in 4 episodes

Factory GIRLS

Freddie Thomas

Leslie T. Chang's 'Factory Girls' offers a compelling look into the lives of China's migrant workers, particularly young women, as they navigate the challenges and opportunities of urban life. The book follows the stories of several women over three years, highlighting their struggles, aspirations, and the societal changes they face.

This week on Sinica, co-host Tianyu Fang makes his debut on the show to join me in interviewing his Stanford classmate and talented writer Jasmine Sun, who studies the anthropology of disruption. This summer, she took a trip to China with a group of friends with different levels of China experience, from people raised in the country to total novices. She reflects on how it hit, and how a group of young people reckoned with the reality of Chinese hypermodernity, which she wrote about in a terrific essay titled "america against china against america: notes on shenzhen, shanghai, and more."

06:10 – Getting to know the new co-host: Tianyu Fang

07:17 – Meet the guest: Jasmine Sun

08:47 – Is there really an “American Vibe Shift” in how people see China?

13:56 – The stories nations tell: America vs. China

18:26 – Why that title for the essay?

21:05 – Surveillance, awe, and future shock: China vs. San Francisco

28:19 – Chinese tech’s power to surprise (and scare) + U.S.–China perceptions

34:34 – China vs. Silicon Valley: patriotism and motivation

39:51 – The involution phenomenon: China vs. U.S.

45:41 – China’s public services and the U.S. gap

52:33 – What U.S. cities could learn from China

56:13 – Guests’ tips for understanding China

Recommendations:

Jasmine: Yunnan food

Tianyu: Mad Men (Tv series)

Kaiser: The Origins of Political Order and Political Decay by Francis Fukuyama

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