Quebecois flag

The Recipe for Secession: What Makes Nations Leave

Secession doesn't come from one event, but is borne of economic disparities, identity crises, legislative failure, and bad blood.
Tiananmen Square

Will Engagement in the Middle East Change China?

Saudi Arabia’s King Abdullah visits China this month, marking China’s increasing involvement in the Middle East. China has long had a Muslim minority group.
Chinese gu wine vessels

Drinking Wine in Ancient China

History tells us that the fermentation of various fruits and grains to create alcoholic beverages was a worldwide phenomenon. Case in point: wine in China.
A rendering of the Five hundred meter Aperture Spherical Telescope (FAST) telescope

A New Tool in the Search for Alien Life

China is bringing a huge new radio telescope on-line, and part of its stated purpose will be to search for alien life.
Oracle bone pit

How to Read the Bones Like a Scapulimancer

In Shang Dynasty China, fortune-telling with oracle bones was the key to political power.
Still of a Chinese laundry ad

What Was with that Laundry Ad?: A History of Anti-Black Racism in China

Anti-black racism still plagues China, as a new controversial laundry ad reminds us.
An illustrated map showing the location of Tibet

Tibet and China 65 Years Later

Tibet was annexed by the Chinese 65 years ago. The struggle for Tibetan independence has continued ever since.
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Xinhua via Getty Images

Why Hasn’t China Won a Nobel in Science Until Now?

Despite a long tradition of scientific inquiry and study, no Chinese scientist has won the coveted Nobel Prize. Until now. We try to understand why.
Bowls of various superfoods

The Decline of Malnutrition: How The World Eats Now

There are still strides to be made in nutrition development.
Japanese students

Japan, the U.S, and the Perils of International Education Comparisons

Current comparisons of U.S. and Chinese educational systems echo earlier comparisons to Japan.