Professor Hao Wang from Fudan University’s Center for American Studies will examine how Chinese analysts interpret Donald Trump, the Make America Great Again movement and recent shifts in American politics. He will contrast competing explanations of U.S. political change: one that views the movement as  driven by cyclical policy dynamics, and another that views it as part of an identity-based conflict.  Wang will also explore two interpretations of polarization: one emphasizing deepening partisan hostility, the other viewing polarization as a byproduct of economic convergence and identity mobilization.

He will conclude by assessing Chinese analysts’ differing expectations about MAGA’s future, highlighting widespread uncertainty about whether the movement can sustain political and economic outcomes.

Speaker: 

• Hao Wang, Professor-Center for American Studies; Associate Director, Fudan University; Fudan-UC Center on Contemporary China

Commentator: 

• Barry Naughton, Professor and So Kwan Lok Chair of Chinese International Affairs, UC San Diego School of Global Policy and Strategy

 Moderator:

• Victor Shih, Director, 21st Century China Center; Professor and Ho Miu Lam Chair in China and Pacific Relations, UC San Diego School of Global Policy and Strategy

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This public lecture is organized by the 21st Century China Center (21CCC) at the UC San Diego School of Global Policy and Strategy. For more information about this and other 21CCC events, please visit china.ucsd.edu.