Sinica Podcast

Yascha Mounk, a political scientist and founder of Persuasion, shares his insights on China and the challenges facing Western liberalism. He discusses his immersive experiences learning Chinese and the strengths and weaknesses of China's technocratic society. Mounk delves into demographic trends, the limits of China's soft power, and media narratives surrounding the nation. He explores how China’s rise intersects with domestic polarization in the West and emphasizes the need for nuanced understanding rather than simplistically framing China as an enemy.

Retired Senior Colonel Zhou Bo, a leading voice on Chinese military affairs, teams up with Rana Mitter, a Harvard expert on wartime memory. They delve into the significance of China's recent military parade, reflecting on its impact on national identity and geopolitical narratives. Discussions explore advancements in China's military, its relations with regional players like India and Taiwan, and the balance of power with the U.S. The duo also critiques the oversimplification of historical narratives surrounding World War II and its implications for contemporary global strategies.

Join experts Dave Kang, an authority in International Relations, Jackie Wong, who specializes in East Asian studies, and Zenobia Chan, a political scholar from Georgetown, as they dissect their controversial paper on China's global ambitions. They challenge the popular belief that China seeks hegemony, arguing instead that its focus is on regime stability. The trio employs innovative methodologies to decode Chinese political rhetoric, critiques U.S. misconceptions about Beijing’s intentions, and delves into the intricate dynamics of China's Belt and Road Initiative.

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.