The Context

Latest Episodes:

Climate Special 6: Positive Breakthroughs May 09, 2025

Show notes

Today, we continue our series on China-US Climate Cooperation with the second of a two-part episode on the history of climate deals between China and the US. And we’ll lead off with some positive breakthroughs that occurred over the past dozen years.

From Sacred Rituals to Silver Screens: The Enduring Allure of the Boshan Censer May 06, 2025

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Today, we’ll talk about a 2,000-year-old gilt-bronze incense burner known as the Boshan Censer from the Western Han Dynasty, which is currently bridging ancient history with contemporary storytelling due to its connection to the recent blockbuster film Nezha 2.

Climate Special 5: Climate of Trust May 02, 2025

Show notes

Today, we continue our series on China-US Climate Cooperation with the first of a two-part episode on the history of climate deals between China and the US. And although these deals have previously weathered political storms, the question is, can they withstand the challenges of the future?

Tracing the First Fliers: What China’s New Jurassic Bird Fossil Tells Us About Evolution Apr 29, 2025

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Today, we’ll talk about the recent discovery in Fujian, China of the oldest confirmed Jurassic bird fossil that pushes the timeline of avian evolution further back by 20 million years, providing new insights into the transition from dinosaurs to birds.

Climate Special 4: Climate Science Pioneers Apr 25, 2025

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As we continue our Friday series on China-US Climate Cooperation, today, we will introduce pioneers in the field of climate science going back to the dawn of the Industrial Revolution and counting up the generations right up till today.

Mazu: The Young Woman and the Sea Apr 22, 2025

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Today, we’ll talk about Mazu, the costal protector and Chinese goddess of the sea who has become a global icon of Chinese heritage, linking millions worldwide through faith, commemoration, and maritime culture.

Climate Special 3: Tipping Points Apr 18, 2025

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As we continue our series on China-US climate cooperation, we issue something of a warning, pointing out that we should see ourselves not as the victims of some future climate catastrophe, but rather we should admit that unbridled exploitation of the planet’s resources has made us the harbingers of change.

Jiaozi: The World’s First Official Paper Money Apr 15, 2025

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Just over 1,000 years ago, Sichuan in southwest China issued the world’s first officially backed paper money. Today, we’ll talk about what local conditions spurred this financial revolution, and how traders were able to cash in on the innovation.

Climate Special 2: We Are the Meteor Apr 11, 2025

Show notes

Today, we continue our series on China-US climate cooperation and we do so with a bang, pointing out that when it comes to the next extinction-level event on our fragile planet, we, that is, humans, are the meteor – unless we can collectively muster the political will to change course.

Fujian Tulou: Ancient Architecture in Modern Spotlight Apr 08, 2025

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Today, we’ll talk about Fujian tulou, an iconic Hakka architectural marvel, which is globally recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, embodying a blend of historical resilience and cultural preservation.

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