In this episode of Roughly Chinese, our host Mimi sits down with Professor Radhika Desai, a leading scholar of political economy and international relations from the University of Manitoba, and Carl Zha, host of the Silk and Steel podcast, known for his sharp insights into U.S.-China relations.

Together, they unpack some of the most urgent and misunderstood questions shaping global politics today — from the rise of socialist politics among young Americans to the reality of China’s public healthcare and infrastructure.

To explore specific topics in the episode, check the chapter markers in the video description below:

00:00 – Meet Our Guests: Radhika Desai & Carl Zha  
04:24 – Why Are Young Americans Turning Left?  
21:08 – Is China Still Socialist? What the West Gets Wrong  
45:02 – Trump’s Trade War and the Global Turn Toward China