to bridge the Pacific Ocean

To bridge the Pacific Ocean. The social, political, and economic contexts shaping U.S.–China relations; how China and other countries are carefully recalculating their national interests; and the misunderstandings between China and the United States—particularly how deep-rooted cultural, historical, social, economic, and governance differences shape each country’s worldview.

The Politics Behind Global Rankings: Anglo-American Power

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I. The Central Paradox of Global University Rankings Global university rankings are commonly presented as neutral, technical instruments designed to measure academic excellence. In reality, they operate as culturally and politically embedded systems, shaped by language dominance, commercial incentives, and historical power structures. Far from being objective scorecards, these rankings privilege particular academic traditions—most notably … Read more

How the Soviet Collapse Triggered America’s ALICE Crisis

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The contemporary U.S. affordability crisis—often described through the condition known as ALICE (Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed)—is not simply the product of personal failure or isolated economic shocks. It reflects a systemic paradox in which millions of working Americans remain one disruption away from collapse. A medical emergency, rent increase, job loss, or legal dispute … Read more

Double Standards in Western Rebalancing Against China

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In Western discourse, “rebalancing” between China and the West is often framed as a neutral, technical adjustment—addressing trade imbalances, supply-chain resilience, or national security concerns. Yet this language obscures its political function. Rather than a dispassionate economic correction, rebalancing frequently operates as a tool of power, shaped by a global order historically structured around Western … Read more

Why Only China Can Deliver Africa’s Mega Infrastructure

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In Africa, China often accomplishes projects that American and European companies struggle to execute—a reality rooted not in abstract national superiority, but in structural, historical, and institutional differences in engagement. Drawing on the experiences of Chinese engineers and firms on the ground, this dynamic is particularly evident in large-scale infrastructure and development, where China’s approach, … Read more

Hollywood, China & Global Narratives: Market Shapes Stories

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This essay examines Hollywood’s portrayal of foreign nations, with particular attention to China, and analyzes how these representations are shaped by narrative convention, historical framing, and market forces. It argues that recurring patterns of stigmatization and selective historical storytelling are not merely artistic choices, but are influenced by Hollywood’s global ambitions and economic dependencies. By … Read more

How Taiwan Proves Censorship Didn’t Kill Hong Kong Cinema

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A frequent explanation for Hong Kong cinema’s decline is: The industry fell apart because censorship—particularly from mainland China—stifled creative freedom. While this argument might seem convincing at first glance, it doesn’t hold up when we look at history.Taiwan’s involvement in Hong Kong cinema provides a direct counterexample. Taiwan’s Stricter Censorship Highlights Historical Resilience of Hong … Read more

Why Hong Kong Cinema Can’t Revive Under an Obsolete Worldview

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Many Hong Kong filmmakers—and the cultural institutions that support them—remain psychologically anchored in a colonial-era hierarchy that positions Hong Kong as culturally, morally, and aesthetically superior to mainland China. This outdated mindset shapes creative choices, industry discourse, and market behavior, creating a structural obstacle to the revival of Hong Kong cinema. The problem is not … Read more

Hong Kong Cinema After Its Golden Age: Is Renewal Possible?

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There is hope for a resurgence of Hong Kong cinema, but only in a limited, conditional, and fundamentally transformed form. A return to its former dominance is highly unlikely without a profound psychological, industrial, and generational reset. The decline cannot be attributed to censorship alone; rather, it reflects a convergence of structural, cultural, and creative … Read more

Why Jet Li Lost Ground in Hollywood—and Chan and Yen Didn’t

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Despite their shared status as internationally renowned martial arts stars, Jackie Chan, Donnie Yen, and Jet Li have experienced markedly different receptions in Hollywood. While Chan and Yen have enjoyed visible recognition—through Oscars appearances, honorary awards, Walk of Fame stars, leading or substantial supporting roles, and notable creative influence—Jet Li has often been sidelined, receiving … Read more

Apartment Fire Analogy Explains Europe’s War Decisions

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Europe’s disproportionate exposure to the economic, energy, and security costs of the Russo-Ukrainian War was neither accidental nor unseen by European politicians and policy institutions. The central question is therefore not whether the risks were understood, but why they were accepted. A plausible explanation is that European elites did not equate “Europe’s losses” with their … Read more