Sinica Podcast

Evan Feigenbaum, Vice President for Studies at the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace, shares his insights into the U.S.-India relationship amid Trump's recent tariffs on Indian goods. He discusses the shifting geopolitical landscape and the ramifications for both India and China. The conversation dives into the complexities of trade tensions, India's strategic positioning in the Indo-Pacific, and how these dynamics may alter future alliances. Evan's expertise sheds light on the competing influences shaping regional stability.

Dan Wang, a former analyst at Gavekal Dragonomics and a current researcher at the Hoover Institution, shares insights from his book *Breakneck: China's Quest to Engineer the Future*. He discusses the contrasting governance models of China’s engineering state and the U.S.’ lawyerly society, exploring ethical decision-making, innovation, and cultural attitudes toward technology. Wang also examines how the COVID era shifted governance dynamics and the significance of knowledge elites in shaping state policies, all while reflecting on the broader implications for U.S.-China relations.

Wang Guan, Chairman of Learnable.ai, shares insights on China's innovative AI projects like the 'City Brain' that optimize urban services. Dmytro Yefremov discusses Ukraine's potential to leverage these technologies to enhance governance amid conflict. Karman Lucero addresses regulatory frameworks in the U.S. and China, highlighting the need for local adaptation in Ukraine. The trio examines the balance between technological advancement and geopolitical challenges, urging cautious yet open-minded approaches to AI integration in Ukraine's public administration.

Mariana Budjeryn, a Harvard researcher and author, discusses Ukraine's disarmament history and the implications of nuclear threats in the ongoing conflict with Russia. Nickolas Roth shares insights on nuclear security and the need for better arms control amidst escalating global risks. Lily Wojtowicz delves into the challenges of deterrence credibility in great-power rivalries, while Pan Yanliang examines the intricacies of China’s nuclear stance. Together, they explore the urgent need for strategic stability and international cooperation in an increasingly volatile world.

Paul Triolo, a seasoned observer of China's tech landscape, and Ryan Cunningham, founder of Edgerunner Ventures, discuss their insights from the World AI Conference in Shanghai. They cover China's ambitious AI goals, contrasting U.S.-China strategies, and the challenges of AI safety frameworks. The duo highlights China's proactive approach to global AI governance while addressing the hardware constraints faced by domestic companies. Their engaging conversation also touches on the significance of philosophy in tech and offers entertaining recommendations.

Chris Thomas and Stephanie Li, the dynamic duo behind the YouTube channel Chinese Cooking Demystified, dive into Yunnan's rich culinary scene. Chris shares insights on the unique flavors of the region, while Stephanie discusses the balance between exotic and familiar Chinese cuisines. They explore the concept of 'wok hei' and the intricate relationship between dialects and food. With humor, they navigate the complexities of Chinese identity, local specialties, and the evolution of regional cuisines, celebrating the tapestry of flavors that define this vibrant culinary landscape.

Adam Tooze, an economic historian at Columbia University, shares his insights following a month in China. He discusses the post-COVID economic landscape, highlighting the challenges faced by the real estate market and shifting consumer behaviors. Tooze contrasts China's renewable energy advancements with U.S. policies, exploring the geopolitical ramifications. He reflects on the complexities of understanding China as an outsider and the importance of humility in appreciating its cultural nuances. The dialogue is enlightening and filled with personal anecdotes.

Tong Zhao, a Senior Fellow at the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace, dives into China's evolving nuclear doctrine and the recent expansion of its arsenal under Xi Jinping. He discusses the balance of symbolism and strategy, questioning whether China’s buildup is defensive or offensive. Zhao also examines the implications of U.S.-China relations, particularly during Trump’s presidency, and how this affects Taiwan. Additionally, he explores China’s complex stance on North Korea's nuclear ambitions, shedding light on the intricate geopolitical landscape.

Christopher Beam, a writer known for his piece 'Year of the Pigskin', shares the quirky story of the Chongqing Dockers, a team of American football enthusiasts in China. He discusses the cultural impact of the sport, touching on masculinity and identity in globalization. Beam dives into the journey of his original article and the complexities of its Hollywood adaptation. He also reflects on the recent film 'Clash' and the unique challenges of cross-cultural storytelling, highlighting the emotional connections that remain amidst shifting US-China relations.

Stephen Platt, a UMass Amherst historian and author of 'The Raider', discusses Evans Carlson, a transformative yet underrecognized Marine in WWII. He explores Carlson's ideological evolution, his intricate relationships with figures like FDR, and the impact of his experiences in China on his worldview. The conversation delves into Carlson's unique leadership style, his 'Gung Ho' meetings, and the broader implications for Sino-American relations. Platt also shares engaging insights about his own literary passions and the legacies of historical figures.