Conversations with History: Institute of International Studies, UC Berkeley

See the Conversations with History Blog See also the 2001 interview with Susan Shirk, "China and the United States"

This interview is part of the Institute's "Conversations with History" series, and uses Internet technology to share with the public Berkeley's distinction as a global forum for ideas.

Welcome to a Conversation with History. I'm Harry Kreisler of the Institute of International Studies. Our guest today is Susan Shirk who is Director of the University of California systemwide Institute of Global Conflict and Cooperation and professor of political science at UC San Diego. During 1997 to 2000 Professor Shirk served as Deputy Assistant Secretary of State in the Bureau of East Asian Pacific Affairs with responsibility for China, Taiwan, Hong Kong and Mongolia. She first traveled to China in 1971 and has been doing research there ever since. Her new book is China: Fragile Superpower.

1. The Fragile Superpower ... opening up the black box ... from scholar to policymaker ... changes in China since 1971 ... the continuing power of the Party ... rural to urban migration
2. Pressures on China ... the double-edged sword of nationalism ... technology, information, and censorship ... keeping the military loyal ... the difficulty of power succession ... the surprising resiliency of the Party ... the problem of corruption ... environmental degredation
3. China's Foreign Policy ... the need to look tough ... U.S. bombing of the Chinese embassy in Belgrade ... increasing pragmatism ... balancing oil needs against need for international legitimacy
4. U.S. - China Relations ... shared interests in growth and stability ... the truth about the trade gap ... forecasting new trade conflicts ... crafting a smart policy ... Japan's military buildup ... advice for China and for the U.S.

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