Decoding Political Myths in Russia - Bo Petersson | 2023 Episode 8

05/05/23 • 53 min

Academic research on political myth is sparse, and the body of literature that does exist is dispersed among many different scientific fields. Roland Barthes, 1957 book Mythologies, is regarded as a pioneer of this idea. He was building on Ferdinand de Saussure’s initial sign analysis, often known as “semiology”. Thus, what does the concept of political myth mean? I am joined by professor of political science, Bo Petersson, from Malmö University, Department of Global Political Studies. Prof Petersson is also a director of the “Russia, Ukraine and the Caucasus Regional Research” centre located in Malmö. Content: (1) Definition of the Political Myth; (2) Shortcomings of the Concept of Political Myth; (3) Popularity of the Political Myth; (4) Political Myth and Legitimizing the Power in Russia (Putin, Medvedev); (5) Is Putin Aware of the Political Myth Concept?; (6) Putin vs. Medvedev; (7) People Around, Institutions, Ministries; (8) How Leaders Take Control Over the Political Myth; (9) Stability, Ups and Downs of Putin vs. the Political Myth; (10) The Political Myth and Russian Society – Unity vs. Polarisation; (11) Putin and the War in Ukraine; (12) Russians Living Abroad; (13) Russian Identity and the Political Myth; (14) Social Media and the Political Myth; (15) The Political Myth as a Research Framework; and (16) Prof. Petersson Research Methods – Sources of Data.

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Students Shaping the World (Schwarzman Scholars) - Max Browning | 2023 Episode 7

On this episode of “IR thinker”, I was curious about the role of students in international relations, their contribution to diplomacy and problem-solving platforms such as international institutions and professional organizations. Thus, I interviewed Max Browning from Scotland, recently awarded with the Schwarzman Scholars’ scholarship for the best world future leaders. Max Browning is the Founder and Chairman of One Scotland, a charitable initiative bringing future leaders together through cultural exchange and collaboration at universities in Edinburgh, Glasgow, Stirling and Aberdeen. He graduated from the University of Edinburgh with a Double First in Chinese & Russian in 2022 and am now pursuing and MSc in East Asian Relations. In 2021, he had the privilege of attending the COP26 Blue Zone on behalf of the University of Edinburgh and spoke about the importance of building a global network of young changemakers. His other commitments include managing the Scottish Parliament’s Cross Party Group on China; attending the China Scotland Business Forum; and advising the Scotland China Education Network. Content: (1) Why students should get engage in international relations?; (2) The difference between bachelor’s degree and master’s degree students; (3) How can students go international with their projects?; (4) How should students contact experts and senior managers?; (5) What about if students do not study international relations, but they want to go international?; (6) Posh universities vs regular universities; (7) The most important skills for international students’ projects; (8) How to develop leadership skills?; (9) The most difficult barriers to international student collaboration; (10) Should students involve lecturers and professors in their initiatives?; (11) How should international student initiatives start?; (12) The role of diaspora in international student projects; (13) Digital identity of students’ projects; (14) Schwarzman Scholars’ scholarship; (15) Why to go to study in China?; (16) Which courses will Max study? Who does teach in China?; (17) Who is going to study with Max?; (18) Challenges of studying and living in China; (19) Where will Max live in China?; (20) Do Chinese students develop international student initiatives?; (21) Will Max share his experience in China on social media?; (22) How to get an international scholarship?; and (23) Max’s future job.

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Chinese Stratagem & Leadership - Hei Sing Tso | 2023 Episode 9

Can we gain a better understanding of Chinese political leadership by using the Chinese stratagems? We can gain insights into Chinese political leadership by understanding the Chinese stratagems, also known as the 36 Stratagems. These are a set of proverbial phrases that are often used to describe strategies used in politics, war, and civil interaction. While they do not map directly onto modern political actions, their principles can often be seen underlying the strategies and tactics used. Understanding these stratagems can thus offer insights into the thinking patterns, strategic planning, and decision-making process of Chinese political leaders. However, it’s important to note that these stratagems are historical and cultural concepts that may not fully represent the complexities of contemporary Chinese political leadership, which is influenced by a range of factors including global politics, economic considerations, and domestic issues. Mr Sing Tso is an independent scholar who studied law at the City University of Hong Kong and University of Edinburgh. He was also awarded Master of Arts degree in theology at the University of Chester. Hei Sing Tso’s research focuses on Traditional Chinese Stratagems. Apart from being a practicing lawyer, he is the President of Guiguzi Stratagem Learning, a training firm specialising in teaching Chinese Stratagems to government and business entities. Content: (1) Chinese Stratagems vs. Strategy; (2) How Many People in China Research the Stratagems?; (3) Why Does Hei Sing Tso Research the Stratagems?; (4) The 36 Stratagems in the Present Context; (5) How to Interpret the 36 Stratagems; (6) Six Categories of the 36 Stratagems; (7) How Do Chinese People Learn About the Stratagems?; (8) The Stratagems and Chinese Foreign Policy; (9) Notable Publications About the Stratagems and Chinese Foreign Policy; (10) How to Research and Understand Chinese Political Leadership; (11) Most Common Misunderstandings About China in the West; and (12) Key Challenges for Chinese Leadership.

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