Bryce Whitwam, a veteran ad man turned doctoral student, dives into the booming world of China's livestreaming e-commerce. He discusses the significant trends reshaping consumer habits and the importance of influencer authenticity in driving sales. Bryce reveals why platforms like Taobao are losing ground to more niche competitors, and shares insights from his interviews on how livestream commerce merges shopping with entertainment. Plus, he explores potential disruptions and comparisons to similar trends emerging in the U.S.

Dimitar Gueorguiev, an Associate Professor at Syracuse University and author of Retrofitting Leninism, discusses the intricacies of China's political landscape. He elaborates on the concept of whole-process democracy and the roles of the National People's Congress and the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference. Gueorguiev also dives into the hawkish sentiments in Chinese public opinion, revealing how satisfaction or dissatisfaction with the government shapes foreign policy views. His insights offer a fascinating lens into authoritarian resilience and the complexities of U.S.-China relations.

David Moser, a longtime Beijing resident and associate professor at Beijing Capital Normal University, shares insights on the complexities of critiquing both U.S. and Chinese policies. He discusses his experiences with state media and the evolving role of foreigners in impacting change in China. The conversation also touches on cultural differences in governance, contrasting American and Chinese democratic ideals, and the ongoing dialogue about moral intuition and ethical challenges. Moser emphasizes the importance of continued engagement while recognizing the unique historical contexts that shape perceptions of democracy.

Jessica Chen Weiss is the David M. Lampton Professor of China Studies at Johns Hopkins SAIS, advocating for a less confrontational U.S. approach to China. She discusses the 'China Consensus' and its limitations, envisioning a more constructive U.S.-China relationship. Jessica highlights diverging views within the Republican and Democratic parties regarding China policy and emphasizes the need for realistic strategies, especially concerning Taiwan. She calls for engaging dialogue while balancing deterrence and diplomacy.

Nainika Sudheendra, a Schwarzman Scholar focused on space debris, joins the discussion on a pressing global issue. She highlights the hazards of space debris and its implications for U.S.-China relations. The conversation explores innovative technologies for debris mitigation and the necessity of international collaboration. Nainika draws parallels to historical environmental treaties and discusses the significance of establishing global standards and incentives. Lastly, she emphasizes the urgent need for data standardization to ensure safety and fair use in space.

Dive into the intricate dynamics of U.S.-China relations, where priority pluralism challenges traditional views on universal values. Explore the moral complexities behind critiquing political systems in different cultures, and the tug-of-war between freedom and equality across historical contexts. The discussion emphasizes the importance of values pluralism and advocates for a more collaborative and understanding approach to foreign policy, recognizing the unique ethical landscapes of both nations. Prepare for a thoughtful exploration of diplomacy and moral philosophy!

Rui Ma, a prominent China tech commentator in the U.S., and Robert Wynne, a seasoned industry veteran, dive into the groundbreaking success of 'Black Myth: Wukong.' They explore the game's phenomenal reception in China and its potential in the U.S. market. The duo discusses the challenges of conveying its cultural narrative to Western players and the intricacies of the gaming landscape in China versus mobile gaming. They also critique the game’s marketing strategies and highlight the promising future of AAA titles from China.

Olivia Fu, a recent Schwarzman College graduate, dives into Beijing's hip-hop scene, exploring its rise and decline. She discusses her research navigating censorship and drawing parallels with the rock scene. Olivia highlights the cultural influences of Japanese, Korean, and American rap, emphasizing the unique spirit and societal commentary within Beijing hip-hop. She also reflects on how current artists balance authenticity amidst commercialization and regulatory pressures, while critiquing the Beijing dialect in rap and sharing insights on the historical context of the genre.

Explore the intricate dynamics of U.S.-China relations, focusing on Trump’s unique influence. Discover how China's elite and public sentiment reflects complex reactions to both Trump and Harris. Delve into the allure of Trump’s authoritarian approach and how it might strategically benefit China. Gain insights from Chinese experts on the implications of the upcoming U.S. election on foreign policy. Uncover the unpredictability of both Trump and Biden's approaches, challenging perceptions of China's political preferences.

Terry Townshend, a cornerstone of China's birding community, joins the late Jeremy Goldkorn for a lively discussion. They explore the remarkable migration patterns of the Peking Swift, shedding light on its role in Beijing's ecosystem. The conversation delves into the impacts of urban development on swift habitats and innovative conservation efforts. They also discuss the intriguing dynamics of birdwatching culture in the city, along with the challenges of balancing ecological sustainability with rapid modernization.