ChinaTalk

In this discussion, Joseph Torigian, author of "Prestige, Manipulation and Coercion," brings his expertise on elite power struggles in China and the Soviet Union. He dives into Khrushchev's rise post-Stalin and the political chess games of Mao's successors, including Deng Xiaoping’s complex leadership. The talk highlights the finer points of rivalry, manipulation, and the fundamental challenges of authority in authoritarian regimes. Co-host Lizzi adds insights from her background in Chinese politics, enriching the conversation on these historical dynamics.

David Engerman, author of "Know Your Enemy: The Rise and Fall of America's Soviet Experts," joins experts Chris Miller and Sam George to discuss the fascinating rise of Sovietology in America during the Cold War. They explore how a handful of specialists shaped U.S. policy, the failures of this intellectual mobilization, and the relevant lessons for today's study of China. The conversation dives into the complexities of understanding totalitarian regimes and reflects on the crucial relationship between academia and government funding.

Tobias Harris, a Senior Fellow at the Center for American Progress and author of "Abe Shinzo, the Iconoclast," delves into the complex legacy of Japan's former Prime Minister, Shinzo Abe. He discusses Abe's remarkable political journey, his bureaucratic reforms that transformed governance, and his nuanced handling of US-China relations. Tobias also reveals the personal touch of Abe's life, including the delicious offerings of his wife's Izakaya. Expect insights into Japan's evolving foreign policy, economic challenges, and the impact of historical grievances.

In this enlightening discussion, Professor Yuen Yuen Ang, a University of Michigan scholar and author of "China's Gilded Age," dives deep into the paradox of China's rapid growth amid widespread corruption. She breaks down corruption into categories like 'petty theft' and 'access money,' shedding light on how these factors influence governance. Ang compares China’s contemporary struggles with America's gilded age and discusses the unique dynamics of gender and bureaucracy in Chinese corruption. Her insights challenge conventional views and illuminate the complexities of China's economic landscape.

Athena Cao, a consumer industry investor based in Beijing, hosts Turner Sparks, a former English teacher turned Mr. Softee franchise founder and now a stand-up comedian. They share Turner's adventure in the ice cream biz, from catchy jingles and mango flavors to fierce competition and ruthless local regulations. Turner humorously recounts tales of backstabbing and clashing with officials that ultimately melted his sweet dreams. The conversation also touches on cultural influences in China's ice cream market and the shift from business to comedy.

Sam Hogg, a writer on UK-China relations and former parliamentary employee, shares insights on the evolving dynamics between the UK and China. He discusses how optimism from Xi Jinping's visit has shifted to skepticism due to human rights concerns over Xinjiang and Hong Kong. Hogg dives into the increasing influence of Chinese expertise in UK politics, the importance of Mandarin, and the youth's aspirations in navigating these complex relations. He also critiques the media's portrayal of China and advocates for a more nuanced understanding of shared histories.

John Bateman, a senior fellow at the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace, shares insightful perspectives on US-China tech dynamics. He analyzes the complexities of competition and collaboration, emphasizing a balanced policy approach amid uncertainty. The conversation touches on why certain technologies were prioritized historically, the challenges of predicting foreign leadership behavior, and the importance of sound intelligence in strategy formulation. Bateman creatively links these discussions to Bob Dylan's music, highlighting the emotional undertones of geopolitical paranoia.

John Foote, a partner and head of the customs practice at Kelley Drye & Warren, dives into the complexities of the Uyghur Forced Labor Prevention Act. He explains its implications for U.S. imports and how companies could face supply chain disruptions if their materials link back to Xinjiang. The discussion covers the evolving regulatory landscape, the historical context of forced labor laws, and the challenges importers face in proving compliance. Foote also highlights the difficulties surrounding customs seizures and the significant attention this issue demands.

Erich Schwartzel, author of "Red Carpet: Hollywood, China, and the Global Battle for Cultural Supremacy", joins for a fascinating discussion on Hollywood's rocky relationship with China. They delve into the motivations behind the director of "Seven Years in Tibet" apologizing years later and the challenges filmmakers face with censorship. The conversation explores how Richard Gere's career highlights the moral dilemmas of the industry and examines the growing influence of Chinese domestic productions on Hollywood's future. Cultural exchange, complex narratives, and cinematic diplomacy take center stage.

Hal Brands, a professor at Johns Hopkins University and author of 'The Twilight Struggle,' joins to discuss pivotal lessons from the Cold War that resonate today. He analyzes how the U.S. leveraged Soviet failings in the developing world and the critical role of technology during that era. Brands reflects on the cyclical nature of American confidence and doubt, compares today's Sinologists to Cold War Sovietologists, and provocatively asserts that only the instigator of the Ukraine war can halt it.