Sinica Podcast

Broadway writer & producer Jay Kuo discusses Beijing's gay community in the '90s, the Half-and-Half bar in Sanlitun, changes after legal rulings, obstacles faced, his 'China priors', China in the U.S. election, and TikTok divest-or-ban law.

Sulmaan Wasif Khan discusses his book on Taiwan's history, covering topics like American trusteeship, Mao's interest in Taiwan, the crisis of 1962, Taiwan independence movement, Chiang Ching-kuo legacy, Lee Teng-hui's story, and shifts in US-China relations. He analyzes Taiwan's evolving importance, parallels with Ukraine, and feedback on his book. Khan explores the complexity of Taiwan's political landscape, highlighting the interplay between democracy, geopolitics, and historical decisions.

Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist Jane Perlez discusses her new podcast exploring U.S.-China relations. Topics include challenges of understanding Xi Jinping, interviews on nuclear issues, Western journalists in China, and the importance of quality diplomacy. The conversation delves into the difficulties of covering China from the outside, meeting Yo-Yo Ma, and future plans for the podcast.

Political scientist Iza Ding discusses authoritarian teleology, resilience, and regime legitimacy in China. She challenges Western academia's framing of authoritarianism and the China model. Ding emphasizes the importance of cognitive empathy and avoiding essentialism in area studies. Also, she shares writing advice and recommends a biography on The Wife of Bath and guitarist Kent Nishimura's recordings.

Leading IR scholar Dá Wēi discusses Chinese perspectives on US-China relations, including domestic politics, policy differences, and the future trajectory of the relationship. The conversation explores the evolving global dynamics, challenges in understanding different viewpoints, and the importance of personal connections in shaping diplomacy.

Guests Cindy Yu and Christopher T. Fan discuss Netflix's adaptation of The Three-Body Problem, focusing on Chinese IP, audience reception, character portrayals, allegorical interpretations, and implications for Chinese soft power. They explore dualistic themes in Chinchin Zhang's work and offer book recommendations. A critical analysis of the adaptation's departure from the original story, cultural representation, and missed opportunities in showcasing positive cultural aspects is highlighted.

Guests at AAS conference share insights: Michael on climate change goals, Timothy on studying China amid tensions, Chen on Chinese propaganda, Clyde on social media, Jeff on global events, Ian on online databases, Daniel on digitizing sources, Tyler on environmental cooperation, Abby on conversation spaces, Sophie on studying violence, Joe on changes in the field

Veteran China analysts Thomas Fingar and David M. Lampton discuss China's shift towards assertiveness, complexities in US-China relations, and the need for strategic empathy. They explore China's internal challenges under Xi Jinping's leadership, the impacts of globalization, and the importance of understanding each other's perspectives to avoid tensions.

Discussion on China's belief systems, capitalism, and what the West expects from China. Exploring Chinese power reflected in the internet and syncretism. Challenges of Chinese success narratives and PR. Revising Western views on China's development.

Historian Rana Mitter explores China's 'New Era' ideologies blending Confucian-Marxist synthesis, Party historiography, and global ambitions. Delving into China's ability to reinvent itself, the discussion navigates ideological contradictions, societal impacts, and historical narratives. Recommendations include 'Boy Parts' by Eliza Clark and 'Streams of Gold, Rivers of Blood' by Anthony Kaldellis.