Multipolarity Multipolarity Dialogues: David Dusenbery and China's Long Cultural History with the West
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Sep 16, 2025 David Dusenbery, an Associate Professor at the University of Florida and author on religious history, dives deep into the intricate cultural exchanges between China and the West. He uncovers the rich tapestry of intellectual history that predates Marco Polo, highlighting figures like Matteo Ricci and Ezra Pound. The discussion sheds light on China's potential shift from Marxism to Neo-Confucianism and critiques the West's historical amnesia regarding geopolitical conflicts. Dusenbery advocates for a balanced cultural understanding to foster better diplomatic ties.
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Western Historical Amnesia
- David Dusenbery recounts Western amnesia about historical depth during crises like Ukraine.
- He contrasts Western presentism with Russian and Chinese actors who operate with long historical memory.
China As The Ancient Power
- China is the oldest continuous civilization and shapes global historical memory differently than the West.
- David Dusenbery argues Western policymaking ignores deep historical frames that matter for China and Russia.
Chinese Influence On Modernism
- Major Western modernist movements drew direct inspiration from Chinese literature and aesthetics.
- David Dusenbery highlights Ezra Pound's Cathay and free verse as channels of Chinese influence on modernism.
