How Brainwashing was Good and Maoist Propaganda was True: An Interview with leading China scholar Aminda Smith

Matthew Rothwell, author of "Transpacific Revolutionaries: The Chinese Revolution in Latin America," hosts People's History of Ideas Podcast, a series that digs into the intellectual currents behind movements for change. Rather than a simple chronology of events, this podcast traces how concepts of rebellion and revolution have traveled across borders and been reshaped by different cultures. Rothwell’s approach is grounded and connective, showing how ideas are forged in response to real-world pressures like imperialism and social upheaval. For its current arc, the narrative zeroes in on the long history of the Chinese Revolution, beginning not in the twentieth century but with the profound shock of the Opium War in 1839. From that pivotal moment, the podcast follows the evolving thought and reaction that would eventually culminate in revolutionary change, offering a deep, contextual understanding often missing from standard historical accounts. It’s for anyone who wants to hear history told through the lens of ideology and collective action, where philosophical shifts have tangible global consequences. Listening to this podcast feels like unpacking a complex genealogy of thought, where each episode reveals another link in a chain of influence and resistance. Rothwell guides you through these intricate stories with a scholar’s care, making vast historical processes feel immediate and relevant. You’ll find a thoughtful exploration at the intersection of history, culture, and philosophy, all centered on how people have historically imagined and fought for a different world.