Director of China Studies, Johns Hopkins University
Director of the China Studies Program at Johns Hopkins University School of Advanced International Studies and author of The Three Faces of Chinese Power: Might, Money and Minds
PROFILE
David Lampton
Guest
FROM David Lampton
Which Way, L.A.?
No Economic Downturn in China Two things most Americans associate with China are astonishing economic growth and mind-boggling pollution. But growth also means stock-market and real-estate bubbles, a shrinking private sector and a restive working class. Now China’s trying to go green at the same time it builds coal plants and imports oil.
To the Point
In China, the Recession Is Over — or Is It? With a massive government stimulus that's fueled a frenzy of building, China's economy grew by 8.9% in the third quarter, compared to the United States' 3.2%. But growth also means stock-market and real-estate bubbles, a shrinking private sector and a restive working class. Emphasis on manufacturing has created world-class pollution, and now China's trying to go green at the same time it builds coal plants and imports oil. Does China, holding 23% of America's debt, threaten this country's interests? Will global problems force the US and China to be partners as well as competitors?
To the Point
Unprecedented Recognition for the Dalai Lama The Dalai Lama is receiving the Congressional Gold Medal of Honor today, America's top civilian award, and George Bush is in attendance. It's the first time a sitting American president has publicly recognized the Buddhist icon since he fled China's takeover of Tibet. China calls him a supporter of "evil cults," and regards his continued popularity in Tibet as a threat to its territorial sovereignty. During 50 years of brutality and intimidation, the Dalai Lama has counseled non-violence. Will massive new development and a new railroad improve the lives of Tibetans or accelerate the takeover by ethnic Chinese?
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To the Point
Trump's 'America First' goes missing abroad In the Middle East, President Trump is changing some policies of the Obama Administration—and reversing his own campaign attacks on Islam as a religion that "hates us." We hear about his visit to Saudi Arabia and what's at stake for the rest of his foreign excursion.
To the Point
Human Rights in the era of Donald Trump President Trump’s UN Ambassador, Nikki Haley, said today the US might pull out of the United Nations’ Human Rights Council. Serious violators of human rights are members of the Council itself–and a US resignation could make things worse. Later on today’s show, now that he’s into his second term, comedian turned US Senator Al Franken is telling jokes again.
To the Point
Janesville and the American Dream Janesville, Wisconsin is the hometown of Republican House Speaker Paul Ryan. But he couldn’t prevent the closing of the General Motors factory after 100 years. On this Memorial Day rebroadcast of To the Point, we hear what’s happened to what once was a model of American middle-class unity.
To the Point
Replacing Obamacare: Now you see it… now you don’t As the Senate deliberates replacing Obmacare, health coverage for millions of people is at stake. There've been no public hearings, and a draft measure won't be made public. Is the House version so unpopular that that Senate is hiding a version that looks much the same?