ChinaTalk

Vivian Zhong, a graduate student at Stanford University, shares her grandfather's compelling journey through Mao's China. She discusses the difficulties faced by students in rural areas, including the intense competition and food scarcity during college. With nostalgic reflections, she reveals how her grandfather's childhood experiences shaped his views, including his unexpected aversion to sweet potatoes. Listeners will gain fascinating insights into the personal impact of political upheaval and the strength of familial bonds across generations.

Kamil Galeev, a former Beijing grad student and expert on Russian politics, delves into the intricate dynamics of the war in Ukraine. He discusses the unsettling prospects of nuclear escalation and evaluates Putin's future amidst elite politics. The conversation extends to social implications of compulsory military mobilization and fears it instills in citizens. Galeev also critiques traditional U.S. strategies towards Russia, proposing a focus on decolonization and addressing the plight of vulnerable minorities amidst ongoing conflict.

In this insightful discussion, Kevin Wolf, a seasoned partner at Akin Gump and former assistant secretary of commerce, delves into the recent U.S. export control regulations reshaping the semiconductor industry. He explores whether these measures can effectively limit China's tech advancements, particularly in semiconductors below 14nm. Kevin emphasizes the complexities of enforcement and the trade-offs between unilateral and multilateral approaches. The conversation also touches on balancing national security with innovation and the broader implications for international trade.

Greg Allen, a former DOD staffer and current CSIS fellow, shares his expertise on China's burgeoning AI technology and its military implications. The conversation highlights how AI is shaping military strategies, especially in the context of the war in Ukraine. Allen discusses China's ambitious AI goals for 2030 and the complexities of integrating civilian and military tech. He emphasizes the challenges this poses for international cooperation and the balance between innovation and ethical standards in military applications.

In this engaging discussion, Mary Brazelton, an associate professor at Cambridge University specializing in global studies of science and medicine, dives into the complexities of vaccine hesitancy in China. Co-host Henry Li brings a policy perspective as they analyze historical mistrust from Unit 731 to modern COVID-19 initiatives. The conversation explores the role of Traditional Chinese Medicine, the evolution of public health strategies from SARS, and the pressing need for global coordination in pandemic responses. It’s a fascinating blend of history, culture, and current health dynamics.

Paul Kennedy, a historian and former colleague of Jonathan Spence at Yale, shares heartfelt stories about the late Sinologist. He recalls the humorous struggles of British soldiers in Germany and engaging discussions about Chinese history with Henry Kissinger. Kennedy reflects on Spence's unique research approach, intertwining rigorous scholarship with personal anecdotes. He also highlights how Spence bridged history and business by creatively leveraging archaeological projects for corporate interests, emphasizing the lasting impact of Spence's work.

Join Paul Scharre, Vice President and Director of Studies at CNAS and a former US Army Ranger, as he dives into the critical intersection of AI and national security. He shares insights on the complexities of military AI applications and the challenges of integrating technology in warfare. Historical perspectives reveal the dangers of autonomous weapons and the ethical dilemmas in modern combat. Scharre emphasizes the need for human oversight and collaboration in defense technology to ensure a stable and safe future in warfare.

Ryan Fedasiuk, a research fellow specializing in biotech and U.S.-China relations, and Gigi Gronvall, an immunologist at Johns Hopkins focused on biotech security, dive into the critical role of biotechnology in the U.S. bioeconomy. They discuss the need for national strategies to strengthen biotech amidst global competition and the implications of the Bayh-Dole Act on innovation. The duo also highlights the importance of scientific expertise in policymaking and explore quirky connections between music and biotech, making for a lively and insightful conversation.

Dan Spokojny, a former State Department FSO and founder of FP21, joins Jon Bateman, a senior fellow at Carnegie Endowment, to discuss reforming foreign policy decision-making. They tackle the limitations of current practices, emphasizing the need for evidence-based approaches over narrative-driven decisions. The conversation highlights the disparity in training between military and State Department officials, advocating for structured analysis and innovative forecasting. They also delve into the importance of integrating historical perspectives and utilizing technology in policymaking.

Toby Smith, Senior VP for Science Policy at the Association of American Universities, discusses the recent Chips + Science Act and its potential impact on scientific research. The conversation explores the historical context of U.S. scientific agencies and the ideological divides in tech policy. Smith emphasizes the necessity of balancing funding for fundamental science with applied technology, highlighting the importance of collaboration between industry and academia. They also dive into the role of failures in innovation and the need for citizen engagement in science.