Dwarkesh Podcast Sarah Paine — How Mao conquered China (lecture & interview)
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Jan 30, 2025 
In this discussion, Sarah Paine, an expert on Chinese history, dives deep into Mao Zedong's complex legacy. She reveals how Mao maintained power amidst chaos and the irony of his transition from military genius to an economic disaster, highlighting the catastrophic Great Famine. The conversation covers Mao's innovative guerrilla tactics, peasant mobilization, and the contradictions of his Great Leap Forward. Paine also touches on the lasting impact of Mao's policies on contemporary leaders and the intricate relationship between Western perceptions and his regime.
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Mao's Triangle Building
- Mao Zedong's theories focus on triangle building.
- This involves creating shadow governments to take over states from within.
Social Revolution and Famine
- Mao implemented a social revolution, eliminating entire social classes.
- His policies caused the only nationwide famine in Chinese history, resulting in 40 million deaths.
Mao the Propagandist
- Mao's career began as a propagandist, using pamphlets and bullets.
- He learned about propaganda's importance while working for the Nationalist Party.
