WSS Public Lecture: Who’s Afraid of Fu Manchu – Moral Panics in Politics & the Return of Sinophobia

“Any nation can be our friend without being any other nation’s enemy.
I have taken this action because of my profound conviction that all nations will gain from a reduction of tensions and a better relationship between the United States and the People’s Republic of China.
It is in this spirit that I will undertake what I deeply hope will become a journey for peace, peace not just for our generation but for future generations on this earth we share together.
Thank you and good night.”

― Richard Nixon, Announcement of China Visit (1971)

As China’s economic and political power continues to grow, many experts believe that we are entering a new Cold War with the country. This public talk will explore the origins and implications of this rapidly evolving global dynamic, with a particular focus on the role of Sinophobia in shaping the Western response to China. From the Trump administration’s trade wars to the rise of anti-Chinese sentiment in the Anglo-American sphere, this lecture will examine how fear and mistrust of China have fueled the new Cold War and the potential consequences of this hostility.

Hosting our first lecture of 2023 is a friend of the Society, Tony (Sugarbags) Simpson. Tony’s CV is far too long to detail in this blurb but suffice it to say he knows a thing or two about politics, culture, and food.

We welcome all of our neighbours, friends, and members to this event, and we look forward to sharing a pint or a pino with you for our first event of 2023.

This event will be streamed live via our WSS Facebook Page. We will post the link for this on the night.