Pekingology

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.

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.”

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Martin K. Dimitrov, a political science professor at Tulane University and expert on authoritarianism, shares fascinating insights from his work on dictatorship and information. He reflects on his Bulgarian childhood during communism and how personal experiences shape views on repressive regimes. The discussion dives into how authoritarian leaders grapple with controlling information, the balance between public sentiment and propaganda, and strategies from Eastern European communist regimes to maintain compliance. Dimitrov's analysis reveals the intricate dynamics of authoritarian resilience, particularly in China.

Xuezhi Guo, the Lincoln Financial Professor of Political Science at Guilford College and author of 'The Politics of the Core Leader in China,' dives into the evolution of China's political leadership. He discusses the crucial shift under Xi Jinping from collective leadership to concentrated power, linking it to historical practices of core leadership. Guo highlights how Confucianism and Legalism have shaped governance while elucidating the balance needed between strongmen and collective rule. The conversation also explores the implications for the future of China's political landscape.