New Books in East Asian Studies

The “barbarian” nomads of the Eurasian steppes have played a decisive role in world history, but their achievements have gone largely unnoticed. These nomadic tribes have produced some of the world’s greatest conquerors: Attila the Hun, Genghis Khan and Tamerlane, among others. Their deeds still resonate today. Indeed, these nomads built long-lasting empires, facilitated the first global trade of the Silk Road and disseminated religions, technology, knowledge and goods of every description that enriched and changed the lives of so many across Europe, China and the Middle East. From a single region emerged a great many peoples—the Huns, the Mongols, the Magyars, the Turks, the Xiongnu, the Scythians, the Goths—all of whom went on to profoundly and irrevocably shape the modern world. Professor Kenneth W. Harl’s newest book Empires of the Steppes: A History of the Nomadic Tribes Who Shaped Civilization (Bloomsbury, 2023) vividly re-creates the lives and world of these often-forgotten peoples from their beginnings to the early modern age. Their brutal struggle to survive on the steppes bred a resilient, pragmatic people ever ready to learn from their more advanced neighbors. In warfare, they dominated the battlefield for over fifteen hundred years. Under charismatic rulers, they could topple empires and win their own. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoicesSupport our show by becoming a premium member! https://newbooksnetwork.supportingcast.fm/east-asian-studies

In this episode, our host, Ti-han, invited Dr Darryl Sterk, a Canadian eco-translator who is now based in Lingnan University in Hong Kong and dedicated his work in Taiwanese eco-literature and translation. In our conversation, Darryl told us how he ends up choosing a career path for eco-translation and how he defines “eco-translation” in his own way. He also shared with us his translation experience more in details by drawing reference to Wu Ming-yi’s The Stolen Bicycle. Furthermore, facing challenges of AI (artificial intelligence) in the field of translation, Darryl also chatted with us what kind of unique feature that human translators can offer but a machine is unable to provide so far. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoicesSupport our show by becoming a premium member! https://newbooksnetwork.supportingcast.fm/east-asian-studies

Shuchen Xiang, author of 'Chinese Cosmopolitanism: The History and Philosophy of an Idea', discusses the Chinese cultural tradition as a cosmopolitan melting pot that synthesized different cultures. She argues that 'Chinese' identity is not a racial identity and explains how China embraced distinct peoples into a common identity. The podcast explores the singularity of Western racism, the metaphysical framework of Chinese cosmopolitanism, harmony and diversity, the concept of the barbarian, processual holism, and Chinese theories of war and military efficacy.

Henrietta Harrison, an expert in China's relations with the West, discusses her book about the fascinating lives of two translators between Qing China and the British Empire. The podcast explores the role of interpreters in the 1793 British embassy to China, challenges the dominant narrative of the encounter, and highlights the repression faced by cultural go-betweens. It delves into the educational backgrounds of the translators, their different translation styles, and their impact on China-Britain relations.

Guest Jeffrey Angles and Japanese author Shigeru Kayama discuss the Godzilla novels, their cultural significance, and differences from the movies. The interview also covers Kayama's career, including his discomfort with the evolving perception of Godzilla. Translator Jeffrey Angles shares his future projects, including a novel by Satsuko Sumura, and the possibility of translating a Mothra novel.

Russia's naval power is often underestimated, but it has been actively establishing itself as a major maritime power. The podcast explores the book 'The Sea in Russian Strategy' and its analysis of Russian grand strategy. It discusses the importance of maritime power to Russia, its naval missions, strategic approaches, and future scenarios. The podcast also highlights Russia's shift towards becoming a seafaring nation, its focus on developing civilian maritime capabilities, and its growing influence in regions like Africa.

Harry Harootunian, an eminent Marxist historian, discusses his new book on Japan and the global fascist imaginary. He explores the formation of capitalism and fascism in Japan, highlighting the uneven development of capitalism and how it integrates preexisting practices. He reinterprets epochal moments in Japanese history, examining the Meiji Restoration, Japan's capitalist expansion, and its transition to fascism. Harootunian offers a retheorization of capitalist development and a unique perspective on Japan's path to modernity.

This podcast explores the growing interest in saunas in Japan, influenced by Finland's sauna culture. It discusses the popularity of moveable saunas, integrating saunas into hot spring facilities, and social distinctions among sauna enthusiasts. It also addresses concerns about allowing children in saunas and explores COVID-19 measures in Japanese saunas.

Kimberley Ens Manning, author of 'The Party Family: Revolutionary Attachments and the Gendered Origins of State Power in China', explores the crucial role of family ties and women in the formation and consolidation of the state in revolutionary China. She uncovers how family and ideology intertwined to create an important building block of state capacity and governance. The podcast delves into various topics such as women's leadership, activism in education and public health, land reform, gender dynamics during the Great Leap Forward, and the implications of China's Marriage Law. Kimberley Ens Manning also discusses her ongoing projects on the one-child policy and advocacy for transgender children.

The podcast explores the complex reality of journalism in China, challenging the assumption that it is all propaganda. It delves into the diversity within the industry, highlighting the existence of investigative journalists and internal critics. The concept of 'post-truth' and its impact on the Chinese news sector is examined, as journalists struggle with changing business models. The chapter also discusses the tightening conditions faced by news makers in China and the shift towards new communication platforms.