PODCAST:The Prince
TITLE:Bonus: Behind the propaganda
DATE:2022-10-17 00:00:00
URL:
MODEL:gpt-4-gizmo
In "The Prince: Bonus Behind the Propaganda," Sulyn Wong, the host of the series, and Alice Su, a member of The Economist's China team, delve into the making of the podcast series "The Prince." This bonus episode arrives at a crucial time, coinciding with the Party Congress in Beijing, a pivotal event in China's political calendar.
Sulyn and Alice discuss the challenges and intricacies of portraying Xi Jinping's life and leadership, particularly when access to reliable information is limited due to the sensitivity of the topic and the restrictions in China. They explore the title of the series, "The Prince," which alludes to Xi Jinping's background as a Communist Party "princeling," his authoritarian style reminiscent of Machiavelli's "The Prince," his view of himself as the inheritor of China's revolutionary legacy, and his ascent to the peak of power.
The episode touches on Xi Jinping’s portrayal in Chinese propaganda, including his time in Liangjiahe, his reading habits, and his favorite movies, which are reported to include several Hollywood classics. This narrative shapes the public perception of Xi and reflects his values and priorities as a leader.
Sulyn and Alice also address questions from listeners, such as why the Chinese people and the CCP tolerate Xi Jinping's concentration of power, and the similarity of his rule to Mao’s era. They discuss the difficulty of gauging public opinion in China due to the omnipresent censorship and surveillance.
The discussion then shifts to the West's response to China under Xi Jinping's rule, examining the complex relationship between engagement, economic interests, and political values. They ponder the implications of Xi Jinping's strengthened leadership for China's foreign policy and the global community.
Listeners also get insights into how the podcast series has been received within China. Despite limitations, there is evidence that the series has reached Chinese audiences, including positive feedback from those who have accessed it through VPNs.
Finally, the episode previews the upcoming weekly podcast on China by The Economist, titled "Drum Tower," co-hosted by Alice Su and David Rennie, which aims to continue the in-depth exploration of Chinese politics, military, and economy.
Overall, this bonus episode offers a behind-the-scenes look at the creation of "The Prince" and provides thoughtful analysis on the current and future state of Chinese politics under Xi Jinping.
