China, BRI, and Taiwan – Dr. Elizabeth Freund Larus

In Episode #58, we are joined by Dr. Elizabeth Freund Larus, chairman of the University of Mary Washington's Political Science and International Affairs Department and author of Politics and Society in Contemporary China.

We discuss:

• China relations at a time when we know the country "won't morph into a more liberal polity."
• The pragmatic origins of Dr. Larus' interest in China.
• Taiwan's foreign relations, and why America wants other countries to recognize Taipei (even if it doesn't officially do so itself).
• The Belt and Road Initiative's impact on Central and Eastern Europe, and why China and Russia don't see eye to eye on the subject.
• Why Dr. Larus expects China to get "stronger and stronger" … till demographics get in the way.
• Advice for those interested in foreign affairs, including unexpected paths such as hospitality.
• Listening, and watching recommendations from:
  • Dr. Larus
    • Her Politics and Society in Contemporary China
  • Jonathan
    • China 2021 Trends White Paper (China Skinny)
  • Fred
    • @relevantorgans

We’ll see you next week for another exciting and informative episode when we sit down with Joe McCall to discuss what's happening in the Emerald Isle!