#264 - Klaus Mühlhahn (Making China Modern: From the Great Qing to Xi Jinping)

Million Dollar Stories with Mike Fallat

Mike interviews Klaus Mühlhahn
Welcome to "Making China Modern: From the Great Qing to Xi Jinping," a podcast that delves deep into the fascinating and intricate history of one of the world's oldest and most dynamic civilizations. In this series, we explore Klaus Mühlhahn's groundbreaking book, "Making China Modern: From the Great Qing to Xi Jinping," an expansive narrative that charts China's transformation from a decaying empire to a global superpower.
Klaus Mühlhahn's masterful work provides a panoramic view of China’s journey over the past few centuries, meticulously tracing the nation's path through tumultuous periods of reform, revolution, and resurgence. In "Making China Modern: From the Great Qing to Xi Jinping," we unpack Mühlhahn’s insights and offer listeners a detailed exploration of the key themes, events, and figures that have shaped modern China.
Each episode of our podcast focuses on a different era or major event discussed in Mühlhahn’s book, providing context, analysis, and contemporary relevance. We begin with the late Qing Dynasty, a period marked by internal strife and external pressures. We'll examine how the Opium Wars and the resulting treaties began a series of transformations that would disrupt centuries of imperial rule.
From there, we navigate through the fall of the Qing Dynasty and the rise of the Republic of China. Mühlhahn’s exploration of this era reveals how revolutionary fervor and ideological battles set the stage for further upheaval. We delve into the complex figure of Sun Yat-sen and the birth of the Nationalist Party, juxtaposed with the early stirrings of communist ideology.
The podcast then transitions to the establishment of the People's Republic of China in 1949 under Mao Zedong. This era, often characterized by radical social and economic changes, is crucial to understanding contemporary China. We dissect the Great Leap Forward and the Cultural Revolution, two of Mao's most ambitious and controversial campaigns, exploring their impacts and legacies.
Next, we explore the reform era under Deng Xiaoping, a transformative period that Mühlhahn argues is pivotal to China's modernization. Deng's policies of opening up and economic liberalization set China on a new path of rapid growth and global integration. Our episodes highlight the challenges and successes of this period, including the Special Economic Zones and the tensions between economic freedom and political control.
As we move closer to the present, we examine the consolidation of power under Xi Jinping. Mühlhahn's insights into Xi's governance style, his anti-corruption campaign, and his vision for China's place in the world provide a nuanced understanding of contemporary Chinese politics. We discuss China's Belt and Road Initiative, technological advancements, and the complex relationship with the West.
"Making China Modern: From the Great Qing to Xi Jinping" is more than just a history podcast; it’s a journey through time that connects past events with current realities. Each episode features expert interviews, scholarly discussions, and engaging storytelling to bring Mühlhahn’s work to life. Whether you’re a history buff, a student of international relations, or simply curious about China’s past and future, this podcast offers valuable insights and thought-provoking content.
Join us on "Making China Modern: From the Great Qing to Xi Jinping" as we embark on a voyage through China's compelling history, guided by Klaus Mühlhahn’s "Making China Modern: From the Great Qing to Xi Jinping." Discover how a once-feudal society transformed into a modern powerhouse and learn about the people, policies, and events that have shaped China into

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