US‑China Competition: Col. Gregory on Law & Military Culture

In this episode of Inside West Point: Ideas that Impact, we welcome Colonel John Gregory, Deputy Head of the West Point Department of English and World Languages. Colonel Gregory shares his extensive background, including his roles at West Point, his education, and his experiences in Taiwan and China. Ever wondered how studying 18th‑century Chinese law feeds into modern military insight? To draw these connections, Gregory shares stories of his Voice of America Mandarin media debut and archival discoveries at Academia Sinica.

The conversation delves into the differences between Chinese and American legal and military systems, the impact of historical narratives on military strategy, and the importance of critical thinking in the U.S. Army. Gregory also provides insights into China's military modernization efforts and offers advice for new professors. The episode concludes with Gregory sharing his views on the perception of West Point in China and his best leadership advice.

00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome

00:11 Colonel John Gregory's Background

00:53 Understanding Philology

01:41 Media Encounters and Gitmo Discussion

02:38 Fulbright Experience in Taiwan

04:22 Research on Chinese Law and Archives

06:55 US-China Legal System Comparison

12:40 Cadet Development and Language Studies

16:15 Cultural Differences in Military Practices

21:03 China's Historical and Political Context

23:03 US-China Competition and Modernization

38:08 Rapid Fire Questions and Conclusion

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Resources found in this episode:

Learn more:

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Books Mentioned in the Episode:

• Stillwell and the American Experience in China by Barbara Tuchman
• The Communist Manifesto by Karl Marx and Friedrich Engels
• Truth and Method by Hans-Georg Gadamer
• Mimesis: The Representation of Reality in Western Literature by Erich Auerbach
• Works by Michel Foucault

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Credits:

• Guest: Colonel John Gregory
• Host: Brigadier General Shane Reeves: (http://linkedin.com/in/shane-reeves-7950a31b3)
• Recording: West Point Public Affairs-Visual Information
• Production: Growth Network Podcasts: (https://growthnetworkpodcasts.com)
• Publisher: West Point Press (https://westpointpress.com)

This episode does not imply Federal endorsement.