Sinica Podcast

Historian Pete Millwood discusses the unconventional history of U.S.-China relations, highlighting ping-pong diplomacy, cultural exchanges, and scientific cooperation. He explores the pivotal role of non-state actors and organizations in reshaping perceptions and fostering understanding between the two nations.

Historian Adam Tooze discusses U.S.-China relations, China's green energy drive, and global diplomacy. Topics include the Thucydides Trap, China's economic development, renewable energy politics, Russo-Chinese relations, and the role of Africa in global development. Tooze also touches on China's importance in global climate politics and recommends Lauri Myllyvirta's work on Carbon Brief.

Anthropologist Stevan Harrell discusses ecological disasters during the Mao era, the impact of water systems on agriculture, China's environmental progress, and challenges. Topics include authoritarian environmentalism, the Environmental Kuznets curve, and a preview of Harrell's book on the Yangjuan Primary School. Recommendations include 'Haroun and the Sea of Stories' and 'The Cold War: A Global History'.

Stevan Harrell, a Professor Emeritus in Anthropology, discusses ecological history in modern China. Topics include resilience theory, social-ecological systems, diversity's role in resilience, the Malthus-Boserup Ratchet, ecological buffers, and periodization of Chinese history.

Peter Hessler, a highly-regarded writer and author, shares insights from his new book about China's evolving educational landscape. He discusses his experiences teaching at Sichuan University and contrasts the lives of students from rural and urban backgrounds. Dilline angst in the Chinese education system and the significance of 'educated acquiescence' are highlighted. Hessler also reflects on cultural dynamics, the absurdities of contemporary life in China, and the surprising support for Trump among Chinese immigrants, weaving humor throughout his narratives.

Experts discuss the impact of US-China rivalry on Ukraine and Taiwan, comparing the situations in both countries. They explore Taiwan's strategic preparations amidst the Ukraine-Russia conflict and analyze the social origins of policies in China, Taiwan, and Ukraine. The podcast also delves into the Sino-American rivalry, implications of Trump's return on Taiwan, and China's lessons from Taiwan in the wake of the Ukraine War.

Jonathan Chatwin, author of a book on Deng Xiaoping's 1992 Southern Tour, discusses the event's impact on economic reforms. Topics include Deng's strategic signaling, his personal experiences influencing policy decisions, and the influence of traditional Chinese culture. The conversation also touches on urban development in China post-tour and recommendations for learning more about Deng Xiaoping and Chinese history.

Former Beijing resident Ed Lanfranco shares stories about his vast collection of historical artifacts, including old Chinese brands, maps, Tiananmen Square incident, patriotic music records, and a US-China panda button. He also talks about his Tiananmen '89 collection, SARS epidemic artifacts, and Underground City tour. Plus, recommendations on Chinese books and a progressive metal album.

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.