S0E01 Introduction to Chinese Revolutions Podcast

Introduction to Chinese Revolutions Podcast

Welcome to the Chinese Revolutions podcast by me, Nathan Bennett. We're setting off on a long journey through modern Chinese history, looking at how China came to be the way it is today through the lens of revolutionary movements starting in 1839.

I lived in China for 7 years. This podcast is a love letter and a farewell letter to that country.

Why Podcast about China

When you live in China for a long time, there's a lot you just "can't" say for one reason or another. It's a truly dynamic place, and I'm still processing all I learned and saw.

Now, I'm going to bring up all the good and bad and work it all out.

How to Understand China, As We'll Do It Here

This podcast is for beginners. You'll go from nothing to something in understanding modern Chinese history.

For us, history is "what was done" and ideals should be founded in what has worked. What "should" a country be? Determined by historical processes, what actually happens, what lasts.

Nations continually rearticulate their identities. Enough of a break of continuity, it's a revolution.

We follow the "one China ... eventually" policy. There is one China but history shows the band breaking up and getting back together again all the time.

We will not be following Communist Party of China guidelines in how to talk about Chinese history. I'll talk about it however seems true and right. It might agree with the CPC if it's the truth, but I'm not following their guidelines.

We're going with as sympathetic a view of China as possible. We're going to talk about the good and the bad, but this podcast proceeds from a love for China, not just opposition to a government or a desire to make China something other than it is.

If You'd Like to Support the Podcast

1. Subscribe, share, leave a rating. THIS IS FREE!
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Also...

Please reach out at chineserevolutions@gmail.com and let me know what you think!