Watch Asian Insights for free

Three experts offer distinct and often unexpected insights into contemporary Asian society, addressing issues ranging from rapid modernization and social inequality to censorship and cultural identity. Featured researchers include: Michael Berry, Professor of Asian Studies (UCLA), Karl Gerth, Professor of Chinese History (UC San Diego), and Pankaj Mishra, independent author and scholar. Michael Berry (UCLA), a scholar of Asian literature and film, discusses the pervasive influence of censorship and self-censorship in the cultural sector. He also highlights the vast cultural diversity, shaped by regional histories and linguistic differences. Karl Gerth (UC San Diego) examines how policy decisions have fueled the rapid embrace of car culture in China, transforming everyday life. He also explores attitudes toward social inequality—comparing them with American perspectives—and notes the frustration among educated youth facing limited job prospects. Additionally, he reflects on the staggering pace of societal change in modern China. Pankaj Mishra, an independent Indian author and scholar, adds a broader global and philosophical context to evolving Asian identity and insights that can be gained by studying centuries of Asian history.