a kitchen table debate on Asia

An interdisciplinary debate of the political and economic flashpoints between the US and Asia.

Inaugural Series

Inauguaral Podcast Series; Part 1 (March 20th, 2024) "Are the US and China headed towards a more heated conflict?"

Welcome to the inaugural episode of Tide Talk, a podcast dedicated to informing people about Asia by interviewing subject matter experts. In this episode, we cover that fear most great, the prospect of a Sino-American war. Dr. Joshua Hill of Ohio University lends his expertise in all things China to affirm the reality of mutually beneficial coexistence between the USA and CCP. Meanwhile, we tackle the subject of the potential role of proxy states in the East Asian region.

Inauguaral Podcast Series; Part 2 (April 13, 2024) "Are the US and China headed towards a more heated conflict?"

Dr. Fabio Lanza of the University of Arizona features to give his take on our first episode’s questions. In short, it is a potential catastrophe. With a second Trump Presidency on the table for the United States, the question of leadership is up for discussion. Between  the economy, alliance system, and Nuclear proliferation, Dr. Lanza does not mince his dedication to peace. 

Inauguaral Podcast Series; Part 3 (May 2, 2024) "Are the US and China headed towards a more heated conflict?"

Taking a much-needed break from the high-octane prospect of global conflict, we interview Dr. Brian Collins of Ohio University to view a different side of Asia. In his capacity as an Indian Religion and Philosophy specialist, Dr. Collins illuminates the often misunderstood people of the subcontinent. As he explains, India is portrayed as a solely spiritual place, which could not be further from the truth.

Fall Series

Fall Series; U.S. - Chinese Relations S2 E1 / Bonus EP. (November 7th, 2024) "Talking Future U.S. Chinese Engagements" 

Welcome to the second season of Tide Talk. For this series, we are delving into the destabilizing specter of Trump’s second term on Chinese relations. Nukes, economic implosion, and trade wars…oh my. Dr. Blecher, our guest, hailing from Oberlin, is a veteran of Sino-studies who—even with his decades of experience—can only speculate about what is to come over the next four years. We are left to hope for the best in these uncertain times. 

In the special bonus episode of Tide Talk, Dr. Marc Blecher discusses the arc of his intellectual career. His decades studying China present itself fully with every passing sentence, and it is a career survey we could not help but upload for your listening pleasure. 

Fall Series: U.S. - Chinese Relations S2 E2 (November 20th, 2024)

Welcome to Episode Three, the final episode for the semester, and Season Two. We decided that a change of scenery would be pleasant after the quite drab coverage of the 2024 Presidential Election. Here to guide us through our new environment is Dr. Liang Luo from the University of Kentucky. Our pleasant discussion covers her fascinating career, study, and life experience as a truly international woman. From the Avant-garde film scene of the twentieth century to her study of the “White Snake,” and beyond, this episode is a joyful way to end the long 2024 Fall semest

Fall Series: U.S. - Chinese Relations S2 E3 (November 25th, 2024)

In our continuing election coverage, we interviewed the seasoned economist Dr. Edmund Malesky of Duke University to gather his thoughts on the questions for this season. With his expertise in the economy, Dr. Malesky dives into the real fine details of what a Trump presidency means for both abroad and here at home. Treaty uncertainty, compounding tariffs, and more could spell disaster for the United States in the coming years. Finally, what do Vietnam and Mexico have to do with it all?