A Conversation with Dr. Henry R. Nau on the United States and China

Dr. Henry R. Nau is Professor of Political Science and International Affairs at the Elliott School of International Affairs, The George Washington University. He has taught at Williams College, Johns Hopkins, Stanford, and Columbia Universities. From 1975 to 1977, Dr. Nau served as special assistant to the Under Secretary of State for Economic Affairs. From 1981 to 1983, he was senior staff member and White House sherpa on President Ronald Reagan’s National Security Council, responsible for G-7 Summits and international economic affairs. He is author of five University Press Books, to include, "Perspectives on International Relations: Power, Institutions, and Ideas".

With this conversation, Dr. Nau begins by spotlighting his career in academia and government service. With highlight of his book, "Perspectives on International Relations: Power, Institutions, and Ideas," Dr. Nau moves on to discuss the relationship between the United States and China. In particular, he talks about the greatest challenges facing U.S. and China relations and the future of Taiwan and Hong Kong.

Dr. Nau also reviews the culture and beliefs of the Communist Chinese Party, to include focus on their "DNA". On closing, he addresses the question, "is there a silent majority in the Chinese population that admires the freedoms of the Western world, or not?"