Orville Schell, a renowned Sinologist and Director at the Asia Society, and Alexander Boyd, associate editor at China Books Review, dive deep into intriguing parallels between Mao Zedong and Donald Trump. They explore how Mao's psychological complexities influenced his leadership style and reflect on the Cultural Revolution's lasting impacts on modern China, including Xi Jinping's family. The discussion also touches on loyalty dynamics and the role of civil society in defending democracy, illuminating the echoes of past authoritarianism in today's political landscape.