From Bytes to Bucks: Soft Power, Policy, Tech, and Culture
Three Wilson Center analysts examine the push and pull between state and society in the expression of cultural values in contemporary technologies, and what this tension implies for the international system.
Overview
Three Wilson Center analysts examine the push and pull between state and society in the expression of cultural values in contemporary technologies, and what this tension implies for the international system:
1. Valerie Anishchenkova: The importance of video games in modern global culture cannot be underestimated, especially in their increasing impact on personal and collective identities. What do Russian war-themed video games reveal about contemporary Russian nationalism? Who are friends and who are foes? Drawn directly from today’s geopolitical conflicts.
2. Irene S. Wu: If a country’s “social network” reflects its soft power, how can we measure China and Russia’s soft power? Data visualization for Dr. Wu's presentation: “The Wu Rubric for Soft Power: Measuring Russia and China’s Social Networks.”
3. Rui Zhong: American technology firms pursue collaborative opportunities and consumers within China, but may be doing so with deferred political costs. How do these corporate strategies handle complex information impacting the future of U.S.-China relations?
Speakers
Valerie Anishchenkova
Associate Professor of Arabic Studies, Director and PI of Flagship Culture Initiative, Core Faculty in Film Studies, University of Maryland
Elizabeth M H Newbury
Izabella Tabarovsky
Irene Wu
Adjunct Professor, Communications, Culture and Technology Program, Georgetown University
Rui Zhong
Hosted By
Kennan Institute
The Kennan Institute is the premier US center for advanced research on Russia and Eurasia and the oldest and largest regional program at the Woodrow Wilson International Center for Scholars. The Kennan Institute is committed to improving American understanding of Russia, Ukraine, Central Asia, the Caucasus, and the surrounding region though research and exchange. Read more
Kissinger Institute on China and the United States
The Kissinger Institute works to ensure that China policy serves American long-term interests and is founded in understanding of historical and cultural factors in bilateral relations and in accurate assessment of the aspirations of China’s government and people. Read more
Science and Technology Innovation Program
The Science and Technology Innovation Program (STIP) serves as the bridge between technologists, policymakers, industry, and global stakeholders. Read more
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