Di Wu

In this enlightening discussion, anthropologists Di Wu and Ed Pulford tackle the pressing need for recognizing China's importance in global academia. They reveal how the Ukraine conflict initiated their groundbreaking project, which addresses the marginalization of Chinese ideas in anthropology. The duo emphasizes that understanding China requires a shift from viewing it as an 'Other' to acknowledging it as a vital context. They explore methodologies that embrace China's dynamism and share insights on the transformative role Chinese scholarship could play in reshaping social science theories.

Di Wu, an Associate Professorial Fellow at Zhejiang University and co-editor of "China as Context," challenges the marginalization of Chinese ideas in academia. Alongside Ed Pulford, a Senior Lecturer in Chinese Studies at the University of Manchester, they discuss the urgent need to recognize China as a key player in global ethnography. The conversation touches on their diverse paths in anthropology, how Russia's invasion of Ukraine influenced their work, and the importance of avoiding cultural essentialism while integrating Chinese perspectives into global discussions.

Di Wu, an anthropologist at Zhejiang University, and Ed Pulford, a senior lecturer in Chinese Studies at the University of Manchester, delve into their collaborative work, China as Context. They discuss how the Russia-Ukraine war has reignited interest in China as a significant context for understanding global issues. Di shares his unexpected journey into anthropology through China-Africa fieldwork, while Ed emphasizes the importance of bridging linguistic and scholarly traditions. They argue against the neglect of Chinese perspectives in academia, highlighting the need for a nuanced understanding of China's global role.