Rana Mitter

Rana Mitter and Elisabeth Forster dive into the May Fourth Movement, a transformative protest in China on May 4, 1919, fueled by national humiliation over the Versailles Treaty. They discuss the uprising's roots in imperialism and the quest for modernization, emphasizing the pivotal role of intellectuals like Chen Duxiu. The conversation explores how this movement challenged Confucian values, leading to significant cultural and political shifts, including the birth of the Chinese Communist Party. The enduring impact on Chinese nationalism and gender relations is also examined.

Elsbeth Johnson, a senior lecturer at MIT and founder of System Shift, teams up with Rana Mitter, an Oxford history professor, to unravel misconceptions about China. They emphasize that democracy and free markets aren't solely linked and that understanding China's unique political landscape is crucial for global business leaders. Their insights reveal how deep historical roots shape current decisions and how China's consumer economy is transforming rapidly. By encouraging cultural immersion, they advocate for a more nuanced approach to engaging with this complex market.

Rana Mitter, a Professor of Chinese history at Oxford, delves into China's World War II legacy and its effect on modern nationalism. He discusses how the recent film 'The Eight Hundred' reflects a changing narrative around this pivotal period. Mitter emphasizes the shift in historical recognition, comparing the significance of 1945 to 1949. He also highlights the once-stigmatized Kuomintang heroes and how oral histories help preserve their stories. Intriguingly, he draws parallels between China's suffering during the war and Holocaust narratives, exploring their impact on current diplomatic relations.

Joined by Rana Mitter, an Oxford expert on Chinese history, Sun Peidong, a visiting professor at Sciences Po, and Julia Lovell, a Birkbeck literature scholar, the conversation dives into the chaos of China's Cultural Revolution. They discuss how Mao's fear of bourgeois influences led to brutal internal conflicts and the rise of the Red Guards. The guests explore the tragic consequences of Mao's campaigns, the role of the Little Red Book, and the long-term impacts on modern China, highlighting the complex legacy of this tumultuous period.

Rana Mitter, a modern Chinese history expert and author of *China's Good War*, engages in a deep dive into China's evolving narrative of World War II. He discusses how reassessing this conflict fuels nationalism and reflects the country's rising global confidence. Mitter highlights the role of historical memories in shaping contemporary Chinese identity, the impact of WWII on current foreign policy, and the cultural residues that continue to resonate in modern China, challenging the simplistic views often held in the West.