States of Play podcast Episode 12: Is Demography Destiny?
This is a free preview of a paid episode. To hear more, visit samolsen.substack.comShow SummaryIn this conversation, Sam talks to the demographer Paul Morland, discussing the critical role of demography in understanding global power dynamics, economic trends, and cultural shifts. Paul emphasises that while demography is not the sole determinant of historical events, it is essential for grasping the complexities of the present and future. They explores the interplay between population growth, economic development, and cultural attitudes towards family and reproduction, highlighting the challenges faced by countries with declining birth rates and the implications of migration in the context of aging populations. Here is a link to Paul's website and an overview of his books: https://www.paulmorland.co.uk
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States of Play podcast Episode 11: Ukraine at Breaking Point: Russia’s Slow Advance and the Drone War
This is a free preview of a paid episode. To hear more, visit samolsen.substack.comShow SummaryRussia is grinding forward in Ukraine, drones now dominate the battlefield, and Western support is faltering. In this episode of States of Play, Sam Olsen speaks with Alexander Lord of Sibylline to unpack where the war stands, how Moscow is leveraging foreign backing from Iran, North Korea and China, and why peace remains elusive despite Trump’s shifting promises.
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States of Play podcast (repeat) - The Culture and Passion of Chinese Food
Show SummaryIn this new episode of States of Play, a repeat of What China Wants, Sam Olsen is joined by Michelin-starred chef and cultural observer Andrew Wong, head chef of London’s acclaimed restaurant A. Wong. Together, they explore how Chinese food is far more than flavour—it is a reflection of history, community, and identity.Andrew shares his journey from growing up in London and Hong Kong to travelling across China, learning from local chefs and traditions that continue to inspire his cooking today. The discussion touches on how Chinese cuisine in the UK and Europe has evolved into its own style, why authenticity is always fluid, and how the act of sharing food is at the heart of Chinese dining culture.From his reimagined Shanghai dumplings to his thoughts on what his last meal on earth would be, Andrew reveals the depth, creativity, and philosophy behind Chinese cuisine.This conversation is about more than food—it’s about culture, memory, and the ties that connect East and West around the dinner table.Andrew's restaurant: https://www.awong.co.uk This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit samolsen.substack.com/subscribe
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States of Play podcast (repeat) - Why Invisible China Matters
Show SummaryIn this episode of States of Play (originally recorded for What China Wants), Sam Olsen and Stewart Paterson speak with Stanford economist Scott Rozelle about the stark divide between urban and rural China. Rozelle, author of Invisible China, explains how most working-age adults in rural areas never finished high school, leaving a huge share of the population undereducated and excluded from urban welfare systems—an obstacle with profound consequences for China’s future. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit samolsen.substack.com/subscribe
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States of Play podcast Episode 10: Academic Freedom or Influence? Inside the UK’s Troubled Relationship with China
This is a free preview of a paid episode. To hear more, visit samolsen.substack.comShow SummaryIn this conversation, Sam Dunning from UK-China Transparency discusses their new report on the influence of the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) on academic freedom in the UK. He shares insights from a survey conducted among China studies academics, revealing concerns about CCP interference and the financial dependencies of UK universities on Chinese funding. The discussion also touches on issues of deception in academic collaborations, military research, and the need for greater transparency and due diligence in research partnerships. Ultimately, the conversation emphasises the importance of fostering open dialogue and understanding in UK-China academic relations.Here is the report: https://ukctransparency.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/Cold-Crisis-Academic-freedom-and-interference-in-China-studies-in-the-UK.pdf
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