Stephen Platt

In this engaging discussion, Stephen R. Platt, a professor and author, unpacks the complex motivations behind the Opium Wars. Britain’s pursuit of profit led to devastating conflicts rooted in addiction and imperial ambition. He examines Emperor Daoguang's struggle against opium and the moral dilemmas faced by British merchants. The podcast also explores the unequal treaties that followed, shaping China’s future and its perception of Western imperialism. Join Platt as he reveals the profound consequences of these historical events.

In this engaging discussion, Stephen R Platt, a Professor of history at the University of Massachusetts Amherst with expertise in Chinese history, sheds light on the Taiping Rebellion, the bloodiest civil war in history that devastated China from 1850 to 1864. He explains the rebellion's obscure status in global narratives despite its staggering 20 million death toll. Platt shares insights on the economic turmoil leading to the conflict, the rise of the charismatic leader Hong Xiuquan, and the complexities of British intervention, all while highlighting the rebellion's lasting impact on modern China.

Historian Stephen R. Platt, a professor at UMass Amherst, uncovers the incredible story of Evans Carlson, a trailblazing Marine and pivotal figure in the creation of U.S. Special Forces. They discuss Carlson's daring exploits in Nicaragua and his time in China, where he embraced guerrilla warfare tactics. Platt illuminates Carlson's controversial legacy, his close ties to FDR, and the often-overlooked contributions of China during WWII. His innovative ideas reshaped military strategies, leading to the creation of the Marine Raiders.

Jonathan Benton, CEO of Intelligent Sanctuary and former UK law enforcement head, discusses AML challenges, transparency in financial dealings, disparities in financial crime investigation, and compliance reforms in the UK government-business relationship with Stephen Platt.

When it came to trade wars, the British didn't mess around. Four steam-powered battleships sent by the English to force China to change its trade policy in the mid-19th century changed the course of history. But how did they end up fighting the Chinese in the first place, and what are the contemporary echoes of this historical trade fight? Stephen Platt, the author of the recent Imperial Twilight: The Opium War and the End of China's Last Golden Age, answers these questions and more on the latest episode of ChinaEconTalk. Get bonus content on Patreon See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices