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Dan Wang

Research fellow at Kotkin’s Hoover History Lab. Author of the book 'Breakneck'.

Top 10 podcasts with Dan Wang

Ranked by the Snipd community
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838 snips
Sep 19, 2025 • 1h 2min

647. China Is Run by Engineers. America Is Run by Lawyers.

In a fascinating discussion, Dan Wang, a research fellow at the Hoover Institution and author of 'Breakneck: China's Quest to Engineer the Future,' shares insights on the parallels between China and the U.S. He emphasizes the differences between China's engineering-centric governance and America's legalistic approach. Wang explores the implications of China's zero-COVID lockdowns and discusses technological advancements, manufacturing strategies, and policy lessons that could benefit the U.S. He also reflects on the identity and choices of Chinese expats.
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382 snips
Sep 1, 2025 • 50min

Dan Wang on China's Breakneck Economic Growth

Dan Wang, a research fellow at Stanford's Hoover History Lab and author of 'Breakneck: China's Quest to Engineer the Future,' dives into China's rapid economic ascent. He discusses key contrasts between U.S. and Chinese development approaches, revealing China's impressive infrastructure growth alongside market challenges. Wang explores the solar energy sector's debt issues, the impact of evolving policies on entrepreneurship, and the competitive AI landscape between the U.S. and China, emphasizing China’s complex political and economic dynamics.
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210 snips
Oct 6, 2025 • 1h 3min

Can the US Beat China’s Engineering State?

Dan Wang, a research fellow and author of "Breakneck," discusses China’s rapid engineering advancements and industrial strategies. He contrasts U.S. and Chinese infrastructure approaches, highlighting how cultural differences shape regulatory environments. Steven Sinofsky, former Microsoft executive, analyzes the complexities of public-private partnerships and the challenges of U.S. government projects. Together, they explore the implications of intellectual property dynamics, the importance of manufacturing resurgence in the U.S., and the strategic role of China's engineering diplomacy.
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183 snips
May 10, 2025 • 1h 9min

Ezra, Derek, and Dan Wang on Abundance and China

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.
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129 snips
Aug 25, 2025 • 52min

America's lawyers vs. China's engineers

In this engaging discussion, Dan Wang, author of "Breakneck: China's Quest to Engineer the Future," sheds light on the contrasting infrastructure strategies of America and China. He explores how China's engineering-driven leadership accelerates projects while America's lawyer-centric system bogs down progress. Wang shares insights from his bike trip through Guizhou, reflecting on the nation’s rapid advancements amidst socio-political challenges. The conversation also delves into how both countries can learn from each other's economic models to address pressing issues.
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122 snips
Oct 1, 2025 • 50min

Why China builds while America debates, with Dan Wang

In this enlightening discussion, Dan Wang, a China technology analyst and author of "Breakneck: China’s Quest to Engineer the Future," shares insights on China's distinction as an engineering state. He contrasts it with the lawyerly systems of the US and UK, highlighting China's rapid industrial advancements and pro-engineering culture. Wang delves into the implications of market competition, the impact of Zero COVID, and misconceptions Americans have about China's tech journey. He emphasizes the importance of process knowledge and how it shapes innovation and infrastructure.
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83 snips
Aug 28, 2025 • 1h 17min

Dan Wang on Modern China

In this engaging discussion, Dan Wang, an insightful author and analyst of China's economy, dives into his book, 'Breakneck'. He explores the contrast between engineering-driven governance in China and more liberal societies. Wang reflects on the legacies of the One Child Policy and Tiananmen, showing their impact on modern Chinese identity. He also critiques Xi Jinping’s leadership style, emphasizing loyalty over competence in political careers, and examines the complexities of navigating Chinese policies through personal experiences and critical inquiry.
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72 snips
Sep 24, 2025 • 1h 60min

How Dan Wang Became America’s Favorite China Expert

Dan Wang, a renowned writer and China analyst, shares insights on blending personal experiences with deep analysis in his writing. He reveals his unique method of crafting annual letters, discussing how to capture the essence of China through textured observations. Wang critiques traditional travel writing for its self-indulgence and emphasizes the value of detailed analysis over superficial impressions. He also reflects on the impact of AI on his processes and candidly critiques China's influencer culture, threading humor and profound insights throughout the conversation.
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70 snips
Sep 19, 2025 • 38min

How the U.S. Stacks Up to China’s ‘Engineering State’

Dan Wang, a research fellow at the Hoover Institution and author of Breakneck, delves into the contrasting dynamics between the U.S. and China. He introduces the idea of China as an 'engineering state' that rapidly builds infrastructure, while the U.S. is depicted as a 'lawyerly society' bogged down by regulations. The discussion highlights China's manufacturing strengths, including the successes of Shenzhen and high-speed rail, alongside America's declining manufacturing capabilities. Wang also explores the implications of these frameworks for future technological and geopolitical positioning.
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67 snips
Oct 3, 2025 • 1h 8min

Who’s Going To Win The Future? Dan Wang on China’s Engineers vs. America’s Lawyers | GoodFellows | Hoover Institution

Dan Wang, an esteemed research fellow at the Hoover Institution and author of "Breakneck: China’s Quest to Engineer the Future," shares his insights on the contrasting ambitions of China and America. He discusses how China’s aggressive engineering drive faces demographic challenges, while America grapples with litigation and its effects on innovation. Wang critiques China’s global initiatives and examines the sustainability of its social engineering policies, providing a captivating glimpse into the complex dynamics shaping the future of these superpowers.

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