ChinaTalk

Noah Barkin, managing editor of Rhodium Group's China practice based in Berlin, dives into Germany's evolving foreign policy in light of the Ukraine crisis. He explores how Germany's military stance is shifting and the pressures on Chancellor Olaf Scholz from European leaders. The conversation also dissects Europe's expectations for China to influence Russia and examines the emerging divide between democracies and authoritarian regimes. Barkin's insights reveal the intricate ties between historical context, energy dependencies, and geopolitical challenges.

Una Aleksandra Bērziņa-Čerenkova, an expert on China-Russia relations and the Head of the China Studies Centre at Riga Stradins University, dives into the complex dynamics between Xi Jinping and Vladimir Putin. She reveals how their apparent solidarity may hide deeper tensions and emphasizes their strategic uses of each other for national gain. Bērziņa-Čerenkova also discusses the geopolitical implications of NATO's stance during the Russia-Ukraine conflict and how cultural narratives play a critical role in the evolving landscape of international relations.

Matej Šimalčík, Executive Director of the Central European Institute of Asian Studies, dives deep into how Eastern and Central Europe perceives China amidst the Ukraine war. He discusses the Belt and Road Initiative's mixed reception over the past decade and how political shifts are reshaping attitudes towards China, especially with growing concerns over human rights and security. The conversation also touches on his fond memories of the Pohoda Music Festival, highlighting its role in bridging cultural and political dialogues in the region.

Adam Tooze, a Columbia University professor renowned for his economic expertise, joins Matt Klein, author of the Overshoot Substack, for a deep dive into geopolitical tensions. They express genuine fears regarding nuclear escalation amid the Ukraine crisis. The discussion reveals Europe's surprising unity against Russia and explores the concept of 'NATO for Trade' in sanction strategies. Tooze and Klein also dissect the implications for Taiwan, emphasizing how current events are reshaping international security perceptions and alliances.

Ivana Karásková, a China Research Fellow and Project Coordinator at AMO, shares insightful perspectives from Central Europe. She discusses recent protests in Prague spurred by the war in Ukraine and the shift in EU policies, notably Germany's increased military support. Karásková examines China’s changing stance on the conflict and its implications for global politics. The conversation also touches on cultural memories from music festivals, highlighting the importance of community amid geopolitical tensions.

Chris Miller teaches at Tufts University and is a leading expert on Russian affairs, known for his book "Putinomics." He delves into the motivations behind Putin's invasion of Ukraine, discussing his isolated decisions and the disarray within his security council. The conversation also touches on the impact of sanctions on the Russian economy and the changing political sentiments in Russia, drawing parallels with historical events like Nazi Germany. Additionally, Miller explores the intricate dynamics of the Russia-China tech trade amid ongoing global tensions.

Justin Sherman, a Fellow at the Atlantic Council, delves into Putin's historical use of cyber operations during conflicts, like in Georgia and Crimea. He analyzes Russia's current cyber warfare tactics amid the war in Ukraine, highlighting the Kremlin's strategic restraint in major cyber offensives. Sherman discusses the intricate ties between the Russian government and cyber criminal networks, questioning whether recent arrests are genuine or mere political theater. He also emphasizes the complexities faced by Western leaders in responding to these evolving cyber threats.

Casey Handmer, a former NASA Jet Propulsion Lab system architect and founder of Terraform Industries, takes listeners on a journey through the future of space exploration. He discusses how Starlink could enhance internet access in developing countries and critiques the US immigration system for hindering scientific talent acquisition. The conversation then shifts to the costs of sending humans to Mars and the innovative engineering behind SpaceX's Starship. Handmer advocates for a balance between public-sector support and private innovation in the evolving space ecosystem.

Andrew Methven, author of the Slow Chinese Substack, dives into the colorful world of Chinese internet slang. He breaks down quirky phrases like 'rainbow farts' and reveals how gaming terms have crept into political discussions. The conversation uncovers the connection between slang and societal issues, including the evolution of language driven by social media. Methven also shares insights on the funny side of learning Chinese, highlighting valuable resources for language enthusiasts.

Peter Martin, author of "China's Civilian Army: The Making of Wolf Warrior Diplomacy," joins Schwarzman scholar Jason Zhou to explore the evolution of China's diplomatic style. They discuss the youthful diplomats of the '80s and how their ethos transformed into the assertive 'Wolf Warrior' approach today. Fascinating tidbits arise, from Xi Jinping's in-laws to the significance of Tiananmen in shaping modern strategies. The duo also humorously touches on why Chinese right-wingers send calcium pills to the foreign ministry. It's a deep dive into the nuances of nationalistic rhetoric in diplomacy.