Jeffrey Wasserstrom: China, Xi Jinping, Trade War, Taiwan, Hong Kong, Mao | Lex Fridman Podcast #466

In this episode of the Lex Fridman Podcast, Lex interviews Jeffrey Wasserstrom, a historian of modern China, about the parallels and differences between Xi Jinping and Mao Zedong, the influence of Confucianism on modern China, and the history of student protests, including Tiananmen Square. They discuss censorship in China, comparing it to the dystopian worlds of "1984" and "Brave New World," and explore the complexities of US-China relations, the trade war, and the future of Taiwan and Hong Kong. Wasserstrom provides historical context and nuanced perspectives on Chinese politics, culture, and the ongoing struggle between control and freedom. The conversation touches on the role of youth movements, the importance of understanding history, and the potential for positive change in the region.