Dan Wang

Ezra Klein, a prominent journalist and New York Times columnist, joins Derek Thompson, an Atlantic staff writer, and Dan Wang, a research fellow and author. They dive into how China serves as a rhetorical tool in U.S. politics, and the oversimplifications in understanding Chinese development. The trio discusses the 'abundance agenda' for policy change, navigating U.S.-China tensions, and the role of podcasting in shaping modern media narratives. They highlight the importance of nuanced political discourse and explore ways to foster effective communication.

Dan Wang, a former analyst at Gavekal Dragonomics and a current researcher at the Hoover Institution, shares insights from his book *Breakneck: China's Quest to Engineer the Future*. He discusses the contrasting governance models of China’s engineering state and the U.S.’ lawyerly society, exploring ethical decision-making, innovation, and cultural attitudes toward technology. Wang also examines how the COVID era shifted governance dynamics and the significance of knowledge elites in shaping state policies, all while reflecting on the broader implications for U.S.-China relations.

In this engaging discussion, Dan Wang, a technology analyst and author of "Breakneck: China's Quest to Engineer the Future," delves into the stark contrasts between China's engineering state and America’s lawyer-centric model. He reflects on how China's approach accelerates problem-solving but also presents challenges, such as environmental concerns. Personal anecdotes illustrate how these two systems can learn from one another. The conversation also touches on urban development lessons drawn from figures like Robert Moses, highlighting the implications for U.S.-China relations.