Asian Studies: China in the World's Sphere

In this episode, we embarked on a comprehensive journey through the various historical phases of China, examining how each period shaped not only the nation itself but also how the world has perceived China over the centuries. From the ancient beginnings to the modern-day superpower, China's history is a rich tapestry woven with cultural, political, and social threads that have left a lasting impact on the global stage.

We began with Ancient China, a time when the foundations of Chinese civilization were laid. We discussed the emergence of key philosophies like Confucianism and Daoism, the early dynasties that centralized power, and the remarkable inventions such as papermaking, gunpowder, and the compass. During this period, China was often viewed by the rest of the world as a land of great wisdom and mystery, a cradle of knowledge that wo ...