Caveman Marxists: Frank Dikötter on Whether China Is a Fiery Dragon or a Paper Tiger | GoodFellows | Hoover Institution | GoodFellows: Conversations from the Hoover Institution | Podwise
The GoodFellows podcast episode features a discussion on China with Hoover Institution fellows Niall Ferguson, John Cochrane, H.R. McMaster, and guest Frank Dikötter. The conversation covers various aspects of China, including Xi Jinping's ideology, economic structure, military capabilities, and the potential for conflict with Taiwan. Dikötter emphasizes the importance of understanding China through primary sources and listening to what Chinese leaders say. The panel debates the nature of China's economy, its potential for overtaking the U.S., and the likelihood of military action against Taiwan. They also touch on the Cultural Revolution's impact and the challenges of dealing with China in trade and diplomacy, followed by a lightning round covering topics such as Harvard's international student enrollment, the inclusion of flag football in the Olympics, college majors, and the prevalence of astrology.