Back to the Future: David M. Lampton and Thomas Fingar on What Went Wrong and How to Fix It

This podcast episode explores the complexities of China-US relations and challenges common misconceptions about China's behavior. The speakers emphasize the importance of understanding Chinese domestic drivers of foreign policy and the limitations of deterministic theories. They argue against using terms like "autocracy" and "authoritarian teleology" to describe China, highlighting the need for constructive dialogue. The episode also discusses the impact of globalization, China's motivations and aspirations, and the challenges faced by the Communist Party and state-owned enterprises. It explores the historical context of the US-China relationship and the need for caution in both countries' actions to avoid further escalation. Despite the challenges, the speakers suggest potential areas of cooperation and provide book recommendations on the topic.