Sinica Podcast

Bob Davis, a veteran Wall Street Journal reporter with decades of experience covering U.S.-China relations, discusses his book 'Broken Engagement,' featuring interviews with pivotal U.S. policymakers. He shares insights on whether the engagement strategy was flawed from the beginning and highlights compelling anecdotes from interviews with Nancy Pelosi and others. Key topics include the implications of Taiwan visits, misreading Xi Jinping, and how COVID reshaped perspectives. Davis provides a nuanced look at the challenges and shifts in U.S. diplomacy towards China.

Finbarr Bermingham, Senior Europe Correspondent for the South China Morning Post, brings insightful analysis to the evolving EU-China relationship from Brussels. He discusses the impact of sanctions and diverging EU member state interests, emphasizing the shifting dynamics prompted by U.S. policies. Bermingham highlights China's diplomatic approach and the complexities of Europe’s dual strategy. Additionally, he reflects on personal experiences from his upbringing in Northern Ireland, adding depth to the geopolitical discussion.

Benno Weiner, an Associate Professor of History at Carnegie Mellon University, specializes in China's nationalism and ethnic policy. He discusses the evolution of China's minzu policy, highlighting the shift from Soviet-inspired strategies to current assimilation tactics. Weiner delves into the complexities of language policy, the implications for Uyghurs, and the limited advocacy options available for ethnic minorities. He also addresses global perceptions of Xinjiang and the enduring effects of Han guilt in today's political climate.

In this enlightening discussion, Yawei Liu, Senior Advisor for China at the Carter Center, and Yukon Huang, former World Bank China head, delve into the complexities of U.S.-China relations. They explore the misunderstandings fueling trade tensions and the impact of innovation in both nations. Liu introduces the concept of 'the clash of misperceptions,' while Huang addresses how historical ties shape current dynamics. They emphasize the need for constructive dialogue and the potential for collaboration amidst ongoing cultural and economic challenges.

Hazza Harding, an Australian pop singer who made waves in China’s music scene and previously worked as a state media newscaster, shares his poignant journey. He discusses learning Mandarin, feeling alienated, and how his love story with his late husband, Wayne, shaped his life in China. Hazza opens up about navigating grief during the COVID lockdowns and emphasizes the importance of self-compassion and human connections. His reflections on resilience and joy in everyday interactions offer uplifting insights into overcoming loss.

In a thought-provoking discussion, Jeffrey Ding, an Assistant Professor of Political Science at George Washington University and author of 'Technology and the Rise of Great Powers', dives into the significance of technology diffusion versus mere invention for national power. He explores China's current technological landscape and its shift towards open-source initiatives. Ding highlights how institutional and cultural factors in China affect tech dissemination, while also examining its successes in areas like semiconductors and AI to reveal the potential closing of a so-called diffusion deficit.

Jeremy Garlick, a scholar of China's international relations and Director at the Jan Masaryk Centre, discusses the intriguing intersection of evolutionary psychology and international relations. He delves into how evolutionary frameworks can refine our understanding of global dynamics, scrutinizes the competition between nations, particularly the U.S. and China, and highlights the influence of emotions in diplomacy. Garlick also tackles the complexities of cooperation, altruism, and the often-overlooked role of hierarchy among nations.

Jessica Chen Weiss is a leading expert on U.S.-China relations from Johns Hopkins, while Ryan Hass directs the John L. Thornton China Center at Brookings. They explore the Biden administration's approach, analyzing its successes and challenges with China. Discussion includes the potential implications of a Trump administration's policies, the strategic responses from Beijing, and Taiwan's concerns regarding U.S. foreign policy shifts. They emphasize the need for a coherent narrative for effective diplomacy and share insightful recommendations for further reading.

In this discussion, Andrew Polk and Trey McArver, co-founders of Trivium, and Dinny McMahon dive deep into China’s economic policies and the implications of the recent Two Meetings. Andrew and Trey share insights on geopolitical risks and the shifting corporate landscape in China, while Dinny analyzes the economic challenges ahead, including low GDP growth and local government struggles. Their conversation sheds light on China's readiness to engage with the U.S. amidst trade tensions and explores the government's strategies for economic recovery.

Alice Miller, a leading authority on Chinese politics and foreign policy, joins Joseph Fewsmith, a professor focused on contemporary Chinese politics. They discuss the evolution of methods used to analyze China, including the shift from fieldwork to media analysis. The duo explores the dual systems of information in Chinese media and the impact of censorship. They also reflect on the challenges faced by younger scholars in today's research landscape, emphasizing the need for innovative methodologies and the importance of bridging gaps in understanding contemporary Chinese society.