

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

334 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.

227 snips
Sep 4, 2025 • 1h 5min
Does the Future Belong to China?
Dan Wang, a keen observer of contemporary China and author of “Breakneck: China’s Quest to Engineer the Future,” dives into the fierce U.S.-China rivalry. He explores how China's engineering-driven governance accelerates innovation compared to America's legalistic approach. Wang discusses the historical context of autocratic regimes fostering innovation, the implications of China's rapid industrial growth, and what the future might hold for both nations. He also addresses the complexities of AI development and the motivations behind migration from China.

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.

113 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.

80 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.

52 snips
Aug 21, 2025 • 1h 33min
The Engineering State and the Lawyerly Society: Dan Wang on his new book "Breakneck"
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.

46 snips
Aug 28, 2025 • 1h 21min
Leninist Technocracy with Grand Opera Characteristics
Dan Wang, author of 'Breakneck: China's Quest to Engineer the Future,' brings a fresh perspective from his decade in China. He explores the intriguing role of lawyers in U.S. governance versus technocrats in China, offering insights into their impacts on infrastructure. The conversation delves into the complexities of iPhone manufacturing relocation, the chilling legacy of China's one-child policy, and the challenges faced by Chinese nationals seeking freedom. Wang's multi-faceted view enables a compelling comparison of Chinese and American political cultures.

33 snips
Aug 20, 2025 • 35min
What Does China's Seismic Economic Progress Mean for the USA? With Dan Wang
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.

31 snips
Aug 27, 2025 • 1h 19min
How to become President of China with Dan Wang
Dan Wang, author of "Breakneck: China's Quest to Engineer the Future," dives into the complexities of Chinese politics and economy. He debates whether engineers or lawyers make better leaders, revealing insights on China's political landscape under Xi Jinping. The conversation shifts to the secret of success for young professionals and the culinary diversity of China, offering tips on finding the best restaurants abroad. Wang also explores the intricate dynamics of Sino-American relations, highlighting the impact of influencer culture on dining trends in China.

29 snips
Sep 12, 2025 • 28min
China and the limits of its ‘engineering state’. With Dan Wang
Dan Wang, a research fellow at Stanford's Hoover History Lab and author of 'Breakneck: China’s Quest to Engineer the Future', discusses China's rapid industrial growth and the challenges it faces, including overproduction and deflation. He contrasts China's engineering-driven economy with the U.S. legalistic approach, exploring the societal pressures on young professionals. The conversation delves into government interventions to boost consumer demand, the complexities of the property market, and the implications of technological advancements in the industrial metaverse.