Jeffrey Wasserstrom
Historian of modern China. Specializes in 20th and 21st century Chinese social and political history, with a focus on protests and popular culture.
Top 3 podcasts with Jeffrey Wasserstrom
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Apr 24, 2025 • 3h 14min
#466 – Jeffrey Wasserstrom: China, Xi Jinping, Trade War, Taiwan, Hong Kong, Mao
Jeffrey Wasserstrom, an expert on modern Chinese history, discusses pivotal moments in China's past and present. He dives into the contrasting leadership styles of Xi Jinping and Mao Zedong, revealing their similarities and differing philosophies on governance. The conversation covers the Tiananmen Square protests, shedding light on the enduring legacy of the movement and 'Tank Man.' Wasserstrom also analyzes the complexities of censorship in China and the impact of nationalism on U.S.-China relations, especially regarding Taiwan and Hong Kong's tensions.
Mar 31, 2026 • 1h 21min
Jeffrey Wasserstrom, "Everything You Wanted to Know about China*: * But Were Afraid to Ask" (Brixton Ink, 2025)
Jeffrey Wasserstrom, a historian of modern China with decades of research and time in Beijing, Shanghai, and Hong Kong, answers tough questions about contemporary China. He explores personality cults and Confucian revival. He discusses censorship tactics, youth culture and rock concerts as political signals. He reflects on soft power, Hong Kong’s crackdown, and why accessible history matters.
Mar 31, 2026 • 1h 21min
Jeffrey Wasserstrom, "Everything You Wanted to Know about China*: * But Were Afraid to Ask" (Brixton Ink, 2025)
Jeffrey Wasserstrom, Chancellor's Professor of History at UC Irvine and leading scholar of modern China, offers a lively primer on puzzling questions about the PRC. He traces links between leaders, explores censorship tactics and creative workarounds, and examines music, nationalism, and soft power. Short, sharp conversations unpack Tiananmen taboos, local politics, and why academic freedom matters.
