In this episode, we examine how stories and narratives can influence global affairs. P.J. Allin explains how China is using narratives to shift the balance of power in Southeast Asia.

P.J. is a research analyst at the Center on Information and Narrative Complexity in the Global Security Initiative and a PhD candidate in the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences at Arizona State University.

Follow her work on LinkedIn.

Explore her publications:

• “China’s Columbus” Was an Imperialist Too: Contesting the Myth of Zheng He
• China's Double Zigzag Strategy for International Relations
• How China Conducts Influence Operations by Leveraging Culturally Nuanced Narratives in Three Southeast Asian Countries

Learn more about:

• What is Sharp Power?
• China’s claims on the South China Sea: The Nine-Dash-Line
• The Philippines Is Ever More Focused on Taiwan
• The Uphill Battle to Safeguard Rights
• Pentagon abruptly ends all funding for social science research

Lab Coat Optional is a production of the Strategic Marketing and Communications team at ASU's Knowledge Enterprise. Follow us on Instagram and LinkedIn, or visit us at research.asu.edu.

Episode credits

Executive produced by Kate Howells

Produced by Alexander Chapin and Pete Zrioka

Hosted by Pete Zrioka

Shot and edited by Alexander Chapin

Original music from Patrick Cheung

Art by Andy Keena and Sophia Franz

Social media management by Lauren Hebing and Kyler Litson

Keyword research by Aditi Patel

Disclosure:

Opinions expressed on this show reflect the views of the individuals only, not the policy or opinion of Arizona State University.