A food safety factory shutdown has Americans hunting for baby formula. Readying themselves for a covid-19 lockdown, Chinese in Beijing emptied store shelves. Emerging from lockdown, some in Shanghai are visiting well-provisioned markets. U.S.-China agricultural trade is booming, but many are still being left hungry. Food security, sustainability and safety remain issues.
John Birch, China, and the Politics of Conspiracy
The USC U.S.-China Institute presents a book talk by Terry Lautz to examine the life of John Birch, an American missionary and military intelligence officer in China during WWII. He was killed in a dispute with Chinese Communist soldiers and later became the namesake of the controversial right-wing John Birch Society.
When:
January 26, 2017 4:00pm to 5:30pm
Where
About the Book
For millions of Americans, the name of John Birch is synonymous with extreme right-wing politics. The real John Birch, as Terry Lautz explains in his recent book, had nothing to do with the infamous John Birch Society—which was especially active in Southern California. Birch was a missionary and intelligence officer in China during World War II who was killed in a dispute with Chinese Communist soldiers soon after Japan’s surrender and long before the JBS was founded. Lautz argues that the perceived martyrdom of John Birch is a misguided view, appropriated for Cold War political purposes. His life and death offer a cautionary tale on America’s relations with China as well as insights on contemporary U.S. politics.
About the Author
Terry Lautz is a Visiting Professor at Syracuse University and former vice president of the Luce Foundation in New York. He is chair of the Harvard-Yenching Institute and a director of the National Committee on U.S.-China Relations. He graduated magna cum laude from Harvard College, served with the U.S. Army in Vietnam, and holds MA and PhD degrees from Stanford University. His book has been reviewed in the New Yorker and the Wall Street Journal.The book, John Birch: A Life, will be available for purchase and signing during the event.
Avoid traffic and get to USC by taking the Metro's Expo Line
Get off at the Expo Park/USC stop for a short walk to campus. Click here for more information.
Driving Directions to Campus
For maps and directions to campus, visit the University Park Campus Map & Driving Directions page.
Suggested Parking
Parking Structure X (PSX) - $12/day
Enter at the Figueroa Street Entrance at 35th Street (Entrance 3)
Cost:
Free, please register below.
Phone Number:
2138214382
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