Rana Mitter

Rana Mitter, a Professor at Oxford specializing in modern China, joins for an enlightening discussion on Deng Xiaoping's transformative role in shaping contemporary China. They delve into Deng's political rise and significant reforms that shifted China from a rigid communist framework to a dynamic economy. The conversation highlights the grassroots movements that drove change, the tension leading up to the Tiananmen Square events, and Deng's unique balancing act between progress and maintaining Communist authority. With an amusing nod to Wham!'s historic visit, it’s a fascinating exploration of complex legacies.

Rana Mitter, a Professor of the history and politics of modern China at Oxford, joins the discussion on the Cultural Revolution's brutal impacts. They dive into the origins of this upheaval, highlighting the Red Guards' role in dismantling traditional culture. Mitter elaborates on Mao's quest for power, the violent societal shifts, and the deeply ingrained fear within communities. The conversation also touches on the bizarre cult of Mao, symbolized by 'holy mangoes,' and examines how the legacy of this chaotic period continues to shape China's political landscape today.

Rana Mitter, a Professor of History and Politics at Oxford and expert on modern Chinese history, joins the discussion on China's pivotal role in World War II. He argues that the war's true beginning can be traced back to 1937, highlighting the overlooked significance of the Second Sino-Japanese War. The conversation dives into China's political fragmentation, the rivalry between Nationalists and Communists, and the complex legacy of figures like Wang Jingwei. Mitter provides insight into Shanghai's dramatic decline amidst the conflict and the struggle for Chinese sovereignty.

Yangwen Zheng, a Professor of Chinese History, and Rana Mitter, the S.T. Lee Professor of US-Asia Relations, delve into the life of Empress Dowager Cixi, the powerful matriarch of the Qing dynasty. They discuss her rise from concubine to ruler, her political savvy in a turbulent time, and the modernization reforms she attempted amid external pressures. The conversation highlights her complex legacy, exploring how her decisions shaped modern China's trajectory and the perception of her role during crises like the Sino-Japanese War.

Minxin Pei, a Claremont College professor and expert on US-China relations, joins Rana Mitter, Harvard Kennedy School's modern China specialist. They discuss Trump's complex relationship with Xi Jinping, touching on tariffs and military tensions over Taiwan. The conversation dives into the challenges of economic rivalry, AI dominance, and how Trump might strategize to counter China’s rise. They also explore Xi's leadership paradox amidst tightening global dynamics and the fate of U.S.-China ties in an era of increasing geopolitical uncertainty.

Rana Mitter, a renowned historian at Harvard Kennedy School and a former director at Oxford’s China Centre, discusses the complexities of Xi Jinping's leadership. He unpacks Xi's unique political ideology and how his confrontational style affects global diplomacy. Mitter analyzes the implications of Xi abolishing term limits and his ambitions within the Indo-Pacific. Key topics include the rise of strongman leadership globally, as well as the intricate relationship between Xi and Putin, highlighting shifting dynamics in international politics.

Rana Mitter, S.T. Lee Chair in U.S.-Asia Relations at Harvard Kennedy School and a leading historian of China, challenges the assumptions driving U.S. policies towards China. He argues that predictions about China's future often fail. The discussion covers China's political and economic shift under Xi Jinping, exploring its assertive global stance. Mitter highlights China's push for moral leadership through green technology and the potential for political liberalization. The conversation also delves into the U.S.-China dynamic and the implications of education on bilateral relations.

Hannah Skoda, a Fellow in Medieval History at St John's College, Oxford, Rana Mitter, the S.T. Lee Chair in US-Asia Relations at Harvard, and Lucy Noakes, President of the Royal Historical Society, tackle pressing issues in historical education. They dive into the implications of funding cuts for UK history departments and the impact of culture wars on historical understanding. The conversation highlights the importance of advocacy for history, the resilience of student interest, and the urgent need for renewed support in the discipline.

In this discussion, journalist and engineer Karen Hao and China historian Rana Mitter delve into the fierce competition between the U.S. and China in AI. They examine Xi Jinping's ambitious five-year plan for China to dominate this technology and how U.S. export restrictions are spurring Chinese innovation. The duo also reflects on the implications of AI regulation differences, biases in AI data training, and the geopolitical ramifications of the Xi-Putin alliance. Expect insights that highlight the delicate balance between technological power and global influence!

Michael Dunne, an auto executive and author specializing in China's car industry, teams up with Rana Mitter, a Harvard professor of modern China. They dive into China’s dramatic rise to the forefront of the EV market, outpacing traditional powerhouses like the US and Germany. The conversation highlights key players like BYD and Tesla's influence on consumer perceptions. They also discuss the competitive pressures on American automakers and the implications of geopolitical tensions for the future of electric vehicles.