Frank Dikötter

Frank Dikötter, a senior fellow at the Hoover Institution and expert on Chinese history, challenges the narrative of China as a superpower. He argues that the image of strength is a façade, masking profound fragility beneath repression and propaganda. Dikötter examines the disparity between urban and rural development, the flawed economic statistics, and the CCP's paranoia that drives its decisions. He also draws unsettling parallels between China and the Soviet Union, emphasizing that real power rests with the populace reclaiming autonomy.

Frank Dikötter, a senior fellow at the Hoover Institution and expert on modern China, unpacks the complexities of China's power dynamics. He discusses Xi Jinping's leadership, contrasting it with Trump's ideologies, and questions the true military readiness regarding Taiwan. The conversation dives into China's economic struggles, its manufacturing might, and the impact of historical events like the Cultural Revolution on current policies. Additionally, Dikötter reflects on the challenges of negotiating with an authoritarian state and the broader geopolitical implications of China's ambitions.

Frank Dikötter, a historian and author known for his insights on modern China and dictatorship, dives into the unsettling psyche of tyrants. He discusses how dictators prioritize loyalty over love and manipulate both minds and bodies to maintain control. The episode uncovers the dangerous cultivation of sycophants, the paradox of apparent popularity, and the relentless psychological warfare these leaders wage. With examples from historical and contemporary figures like Mao, Putin, and Xi, Dikötter reveals the common traits that lead to both the rise and inevitable fall of authoritarian regimes.