With an average elevation higher than the tallest peaks of Colorado, Tibet has been called the "Roof of the World."
Join Active Minds as we explore the history and controversy that surrounds this unique region.
China claims that Tibet has been part of China for centuries, while Tibet maintains that China illegally invaded the independent country in 1949.
We will cover the role of the Dalai Lama and the views of China and the international community as we seek to understand the situation there - Tattered Cover
The rise of China as both an economic and political power has provoked intense interest in the West.
Daily discussions in the US and Europe reflect on the rapid emergence of China's industrial might and potential on the world stage. Much of this discussion seems to be underscored by deep anxiety, however.
The Beijing Olympics provided a focus whereby this anxiety seemed to intensify. Some have raised concerns about a rise of 'China-bashing'. Has it become 'fashionable' to portray China as an 'evil' empire as a means playing up the comparative virtue of the West?
Talk of the impressive acceleration of China's productivity is invariably accompanied by environmental concerns, particularly with regard to pollution and China's increasing demand for material improvements leading to greater energy consumption.
The political character of the Chinese regime is also a cause for concern, with passions raised particularly with regard to the lack of free speech in China, abuses of human rights in Tibet, and alleged complicity with atrocities in Darfur and Zimbabwe, as China plays an ever greater international role.
To what extent is the expansion of China's productive capabilities to be welcomed? Can China provide an example of how to transform less developed parts of the world? Or is the growth of China a threat to the international order and humanity more broadly? Are Western observers right to fear the rise of China?
Is the discussion about China sufficiently objective, or has it rather become a focus for concerns within the West, such as our own ambivalent attitude to economic growth, and fears about our changing place in the world? - NY Salon
Will China Democratize? With a global trend toward democracy plus its remarkable success at economic development the question often arises whether China will make commensurate progress in democratization. There have been a few hopeful signs at the local level, including some competitive elections, but even there democratization is limited. Unrest has been growing among peasants and others left behind by economic progress and frustrated by corruption and lack of political responsiveness. At the national level there are some indications that toleration for dissent, essential for democracy, is actually decreasing. What are the obstacles to democratization in China? Are there now more pressures for democratization because of the vast expansion of education and the middle class? Is it possible China could experience top-down democratization initiated by the Communist authorities as happened throughout much of the former Soviet Bloc?
Politics and Prose Washington, D.C. Feb 24th, 2007
Author James Mann discusses The China Fantasy at Politics and Prose Bookstore in Washington D.C.
James Mann is the senior writer in residence at the CSIS International Security Program and the author of two critically acclaimed books: About Face: A History of America's Curious Relationship with China from Nixon to Clinton and Beijing Jeep. Previously, he was a long-time correspondent with the Los Angeles Times, and his writing has also appeared in The New Republic and The Atlantic Monthly.
\MY STUNTS is a close-up look at the world of Jackie Chan's action films, where he personally reveals some of the secrets behind his amazing talent for creating death-defying stunts. The film also feature thrilling action sequences from... MY STUNTS is a close-up look at the world of Jackie Chan's action films, where he personally reveals some of the secrets behind his amazing talent for creating death-defying stunts. The film also feature thrilling action sequences from Chan's work, as well as outtakes of near misses and humorous moments.
In recent years, China has become the most aggressive investor nation in Africa. The Riz Khan show asks if China is exploiting African nations or offering real economic growth and opportunity to sub-Saharan Africa?
For Dr. Xingyi Xu, the grass used to be greener on the other side.
Chinese engineer Xu spent a decade developing electric vehicle systems for Ford Motor Co. in America. In 2002, he decided to return to China to develop electric vehicle systems of his own.
"There are many guys like me," said Xu, founder of Shanghai Kinway Technologies, a small start-up specializing in motors for electric cars and manufacturing equipment.
Conversations host Harry Kreisler welcomes Mark Leonard, Executive Director of the European Council on Foreign Relations, for a discussion of the ideas that are influencing the domestic and foreign policy debates in China. Through a careful examination of what Chinese intellectuals have to say on topics such as democracy, economy, and international relations, Leonard finds distinctive Chinese worldviews. The West must understand the contours of these debates to effectively address China's rise because they offer important insights into how China will use its enormous power to shape world order in the twenty-first century. Series: Conversations with History.
Chinatown, Africa In "Chinatown, Africa", Vanguard correspondent Mariana van Zeller travels to Angola to investigate China's rapidly growing presence in Africa. While many welcome China's investment, others see reason for concern. Chinatown, Africa is revealing look at a growing superpower's adventures abroad.
