

Pekingology
Center for Strategic and International Studies
China is one of the 21st century’s most consequential nations, and it has never been more important to understand how the country is governed. Pekingology is the podcast that unpacks Chinese politics, the inner workings of the Communist Party, and how China's domestic and foreign policy will impact the world. Pekingology is hosted by Henrietta Levin, Senior Fellow with the Freeman Chair in China Studies at CSIS. It is produced by Gina Kim.
Episodes
Mentioned books

Aug 7, 2025 • 35min
The Locknet: How China Controls its Internet
In this discussion, Jessica Batke, a Senior Editor for Investigations at ChinaFile, and Laura Edelson, an Assistant Professor of Computer Science, dive into China’s intricate web of internet control. They reveal how the Chinese government collaborates with platforms for censorship, impacting information flow and political dynamics. The conversation also touches on American users flocking to Chinese social media amid bans and the global repercussions of China's censorship tactics on internet freedom and privacy.

17 snips
Jul 24, 2025 • 41min
History, Memory, and the Party
Rana Mitter, the ST Lee Chair in US-Asia Relations at Harvard, dives deep into China's political landscape as a historian focused on modern China. He explores how World War II's memory influences China's current policies, particularly regarding Taiwan. Mitter also discusses the evolving perspectives of the next generation of CCP leaders and the enduring impact of historical narratives on contemporary political discourse. Additionally, he emphasizes the complexities of U.S.-China relations in light of these historical contexts.

8 snips
Jul 10, 2025 • 45min
Kurt Campbell on China Strategy and Diplomacy
Kurt Campbell, former Deputy Secretary of State and President Biden’s Asia Czar, shares his insights on U.S.-China relations. He delves into Beijing's perception of American power and the shifting dynamics under the Biden administration. Campbell highlights the ideological motivations driving Xi Jinping and discusses how the U.S. can reshape its strategies through strengthened alliances. He emphasizes the importance of authentic dialogue in diplomacy, especially amid historical tensions and evolving regional politics in the Indo-Pacific.

Jun 30, 2025 • 1min
New Episodes of Pekingology Coming Soon
Pekingology is back with all-new conversations hosted by Henrietta Levin, Senior Fellow with the Freeman Chair in China Studies at CSIS. Tune in on July 10th for our next episode featuring Dr. Kurt Campbell, former deputy secretary of state and President Biden’s “Asia Czar.”

Jun 26, 2025 • 43min
China Across CSIS: The Influence of Xi Jinping’s Father, Xi Zhongxun
Dr. Joseph Torigian, a research fellow at Stanford's Hoover History Lab and expert on Chinese politics, delves into the life of Xi Zhongxun, father of Xi Jinping. He discusses how Xi Zhongxun’s experiences during the Cultural Revolution shaped his son's worldview. The conversation reveals Xi Jinping's upbringing, highlighting the values of sacrifice and suffering instilled by his father. Torigian also explores Xi Zhongxun’s political legacy, particularly regarding Taiwan and ethnic policies, framing these as influences on Xi Jinping's current governance strategies.

Jun 12, 2025 • 42min
China Across CSIS: What Are U.S. and NATO Views on China?
Henrietta Levin, former Deputy China Coordinator for Global Affairs at the U.S. State Department, and Luis Simón, director at CSDS, dive into U.S.-China relations in this engaging chat. They analyze the impact of the Trump administration's policies on trade and security concerns. The discussion highlights NATO's shifting perspectives on China and the implications of North Korea's growing ties with Russia. Additionally, they explore how geopolitical distractions could lead to aggressive actions in Taiwan and Korea, emphasizing the need for strong leadership in these turbulent times.

May 29, 2025 • 29min
China Across CSIS: Lessons and Next Steps from Deals with China and the UK
On this episode from the Trade Guys, Bill Reinsch, Scott Miller, and Andrew Schwartz unpack the Geneva agreement between the U.S. and China to deescalate their trade war. They also look at the US-UK framework agreement and what lessons it offers for other countries looking to negotiate with the Trump administration.
Originally aired on May 15, 2025.

17 snips
May 15, 2025 • 47min
China Across CSIS: PRC Leadership Decisionmaking with Mr. Jon Czin
Jon Czin, the Michael H. Armacost Chair in Foreign Policy Studies at Brookings and former CIA analyst, delves into the intricate decision-making within the People's Republic of China. He discusses Xi Jinping’s rise to power, the influence of personal experiences on leadership, and the complex relationship between China’s domestic politics and its foreign policy strategy, particularly regarding the U.S. Czin highlights the ongoing struggle against corruption and emphasizes the need for a more nuanced understanding of Chinese political dynamics.

May 1, 2025 • 44min
China Across CSIS: Communication Amid Competition with Chen Dongxiao
Chen Dongxiao, President of the Shanghai Institutes for International Studies, shares his insights on China's rising role in global politics. He discusses the evolving dynamics of U.S.-China relations, particularly under the Biden administration, emphasizing the competitive but necessary dialogue needed for cooperation. Dongxiao also highlights the pivotal role of think tanks in shaping these relations, advocating for more creative approaches to global challenges through track-2 dialogues. His candid reflections offer a unique perspective on the complexities of international diplomacy.

11 snips
Apr 17, 2025 • 20min
China Across CSIS: China Weathers the Storm of U.S. Tariffs
In this special episode from The Truth of the Matter from CSIS, host Andrew Schwartz speaks with Scott Kennedy, CSIS senior adviser and Trustee Chair in Chinese Business and Economics, to discuss the latest in the U.S.-China trade war, including China’s technological capabilities, new export controls, and the possibility of future decoupling.Original interview published on April 17, 2025.