Latest news with #War
Economic Times
2 days ago
- Business
- Economic Times
‘Nationalism in China has grown with Xi Jinping— many citizens think economic showdowns with the US are part of China's rejuvenation'
Rory Truex is Associate Professor of Politics and International Affairs at Princeton University. Speaking to Srijana Mitra Das, he discusses what's driving China — in the era of Donald Trump: Q. What is the core of your research? A. I study Chinese politics — I've researched public opinion in China, how citizens think about the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) and the regime. I've worked on US-China relations and how American foreign policy makers think about US-China ties. Finally, I've been working increasingly on authoritarianism in general and particularly authoritarian trends in the United States and elsewhere in the democratic world Q. Which main features define the US-China relationship today? A. The US-China relationship has undergone a significant transformation starting with Donald Trump's first administration. We saw the end of the broad idea of engagement with China then and a shift towards 'strategic competition', which sees these as rival countries, competing economically, in science, military power, international influence, etc. Some in the US policy arena even believe we are in a Cold War with China — we just haven't realised it yet. Q. How do most Chinese view America under Donald Trump? A. There is a general decline in attitudes towards the US — and a rise in nationalism, which corresponds with Xi Jinping's ascent. The party has used external competition to foster nationalism at home and frames geopolitical competition with the US as a foreign power trying to contain China's rise — this resonates with Chinese history and the idea of the 'Century of Humiliation'. There are some pockets of admiration for Trump — some Chinese view him as humourous and appreciate his off-the-cuff style. However, these aren't particularly large constituencies. More common is the idea that Trump is eroding American competitiveness and, in turn, helping China's rise. Q. Can China actually afford to decouple economically from America? A. My understanding is that full economic decoupling would be costly for both sides. I think this rhetoric from the CCP is a bargaining chip to show resolve before heading into talks. More broadly, the Chinese government has been preparing the population psychologically for war with the US and economic showdowns — Chinese citizens have been socialised into thinking any of those costs are part of the struggle for national rejuvenation. Q. Does an authoritarian state like China have politics? A. Yes — it's just difficult to observe. The machinations which occur at the elite level, between Xi Jinping and other leaders in the Politburo and Politburo Standing Committee, cannot be readily observed — so, the degree of disagreement at that level isn't really known beyond signals in state-owned newspapers, etc. There is also mass-level politics — occasionally, the population engages in collective action that shifts policy-making. The 'White Paper Revolution' occurred in 2022 on the back of the long 'Zero-Covid' period in China which became increasingly draconian. Citizens protested then and the government had to roll back some of those policies. The citizen voice is muted — but it has an impact. Q. Are most state decisions mainly diktat? A. Of late, the CCP has tried to emphasise 'consultative processes' — this is 'consultative authoritarianism', where a government isn't just ruling by diktat but tries to incorporate public preferences. We see this in China's People's Congress System — every year, deputies convey different suggestions to the government. Laws put forth through the National People's Congress are posted for comment. Citizens can contact municipal governments through Mayor's Mailboxes. There are ways for people to express grievances — the question is, whether the government responds. My assessment is under Xi Jinping, we have not seen a strengthening of such channels. They exist but overall, there's been a relative closing of politics under him. Civil society organisations have been gutted — increasingly, this process is just lip service. Q. China has some of the world's most capitalistic billionaires — how do they view life under a communist state? A. Importantly, the CCP shifted its strategy about business elites in the last few decades — under Mao and the early years of Deng Xiaoping, the party was for peasants and workers. Jiang Zemin introduced the concept of 'The Three Represents' which sought 'advanced productive forces' — that's code for 'capital' —– to be brought into the party. Since then, the CCP has been quite cosy with business interests. Since the 2000s, the CCP is quite an elite party — it is nominally communist but in key levels of leadership, you'd be hard-pressed to find working-class people. Q. Has the drive to become a global superpower reduced dissent in China? A. It's important to note there are many people in China who dissent. It's hard to see them and several face real consequences. However, people in Xinjiang or Tibet, for instance, would take issue with the CCP, which is basically a Han-dominated regime. Young feminists in China understand the CCP as a traditional patriarchal authoritarian regime, while parts of the periphery, like Hong Kong, are not fully on board. In democracies, disagreements are front and centre — they are organised into parties that raise funds and compete electorally. In China, the party claims to represent everyone but glosses over dissent. Also, the Chinese's government's repressive capacity has increased so much in the last decade that a large-scale mass protest — a Tiananmen 2.0 — is almost impossible today, given the Orwellian level of surveillance. This has implications for its governance and other authoritarian governments.
San Francisco Chronicle
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- San Francisco Chronicle
This San Francisco director is reimagining Sondheim's ‘Pacific Overtures' with a Japanese perspective
Nick Ishimaru is used to speaking up and speaking out. Before a 2023 San Francisco Opera performance of ' Madame Butterfly,' the San Francisco theater producer and director was invited to a pre-opera talk at the War Memorial Opera House where he praised the Puccini masterpiece on aesthetic levels but called out the cultural inaccuracies and controversies inherent to the 1904 work. Audience members expecting a dressy night out at the opera didn't respond well to the contextual breakdown, which included his assessment that Puccini equated geishas — who are trained entertainers and performing artists — as sex workers. 'To say I was not kind about 'Madame Butterfly' would be an understatement,' Ishimaru told the Chronicle on a video call from his home near Dolores Park. 'I've never felt more threatened in a physical space than I did when I finished that talk.' Since then, Ishimaru and his Kunoichi Productions team have had a different Japan-set story in their sights: John Weidman and Stephen Sondheim's 'Pacific Overtures.' The musical, which begins performances Friday, May 30, at Brava Theater, is set during an historic moment in the 19th century when American ships led by Commodore Matthew Perry arrived in Tokyo Bay and forcibly opened Japan to foreign trade and the outside world. 'It's a foundational moment in Japanese history that Americans basically know nothing about,' Ishimaru said. 'Pacific Overtures' is built around an unlikely friendship between a samurai named Kayama and an Americanized fisherman named Manjiro. Despite Sondheim's Broadway chops ('Sweeney Todd,' among others), this work is rarely revived. Its script is challenging and has a nonlinear story that involves a subject that, at best, appears as a footnote in American history textbooks. But Ishimaru, a fourth-generation Japanese American, is uniquely qualified to give the original a 2025 remix. He's trained in multiple disciplines of American and Japanese theater. He served as artistic director of San Francisco's Theatre of Yugen, which continues the Japanese tradition of Noh drama and Kyogen comedy, from 2016 to 2019. He's also well-versed in that historic 1853 moment of gunboat diplomacy between the U.S. and Japan, studying it extensively when working on his master's in drama at San Francisco State University. 'That's what I cling to as a Japanese American and why I want to tell this particular story,' he said. 'It's really the first time America and Japan interact, and it's something all generations of Japanese Americans have in common.' The original 1976 Broadway cast featured Japanese American actors Mako, Sab Shimono and even a pre-'Sixteen Candles' Gedde Watanabe. The 2025 Brava Theater revival features a diverse cast that takes a fresh approach, with input from classically trained kabuki artist Bandō Hirohichirō. But while it's informed by and written with traditional kabuki aesthetics, Ishimaru stresses the production is not a traditional performance. The singers aren't all male or male-identifying, a kabuki prerequisite. His 'Pacific Overtures' also shifts Weidman and Sondheim's lens to one that prioritizes the Japanese perspective. The U.S. delegation wears masks, which gives them an alien-like feel, while the Japanese do not, allowing them to express more natural emotions like ambivalence rather than certainty. These changes reflect a sensitivity in ways that 'Madame Butterfly' does not, giving Japanese characters more humanity and depth. 'To me, the show is about how we navigate our relationship to our ancestry and understanding of our own selves,' said Ishimaru. Music Director Diana Lee, who lives in Berkeley and whose recent credits include 'Rent' at Hillbarn Theatre in Foster City and 'The Scottsboro Boys' at 42nd Street Moon in San Francisco, pulled from her Rolodex to assemble a tight seven-piece orchestra with keyboards, violin, cello, French horn, reeds, percussion and a Japanese koto. 'A lot of musicians really wanted to play this show,' said Lee, who noted many reached out to her as word spread about the revised production. 'It's a new experience to see another work from the Sondheim canon that's rarely done.' For the show-stopping number 'Someone in a Tree,' which is widely known as Sondheim's favorite from all of his musicals, Ishimaru merges the original three-member dialogue — a conversation between a man, his younger self and another witness describing the negotiations between the Japanese and Americans — into one perspective. Ishimaru explains that it allows the piece to come to life. 'We let the music, which is the most glorious song in the show, carry the imagery,' Ishimaru explained, noting that that approach allows the piece to come to life. With its themes of imperialism and the fall of an empire, Ishimaru believes 'Pacific Overtures' feels even more relevant now than when it came out in 1976. 'Next,' a number that describes environmental catastrophe, is a prime example. 'Never mind a small disaster/ Who's the stronger, who's the faster?' goes the chorus. 'It's scary how relevant the lyrics of that particular number are to today and how much that trajectory just lands now,' said Ishimaru. 'I know many people here in San Francisco are concerned about the collapse of our own nation and the end of the American experiment. Did we drive ourselves here by unchecked capitalism? Is oligarchy what we're facing? Is the threat that America presented to Japan in 1853 ultimately coming home to roost, not just in Japan, but here in the States?
Time of India
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- Time of India
Tiger Shroff flaunts dramatic body transformation ahead of 'Baaghi 4' release
Picture Credit: Instagram Bollywood actor Tiger Shroff took to social media to unveil his stunning physical transformation. From sporting a slight belly to now flaunting sculpted washboard abs, the actor flaunted his ripped body and toned abs in his latest post. Taking to Instagram, Tiger, on Wednesday, shared a video of him showing off his ripped muscles and wrote, "Lost a lot of weight dancing lately time to get bigger again. " In the clip, the War actor is seen compiling two contrasting videos - one showing him with a slight belly and the other featuring him in shorts, confidently flaunting his ripped muscles, washboard abs, and perfectly toned physique. Tiger Shroff, often hailed as one of the fittest actors in the industry, is known for his intense dedication to fitness. He frequently shares glimpses of his workout routines on social media. Needless to say, whether he's lifting heavy weights, practicing kickboxing, or sweating it out in the gym, the 'Baaghi' actor never misses a chance to push his limits. The 35-year-old actor is currently preparing for his next action-packed film, "Baaghi 4," and has been training rigorously to get into the skin of his character. Tiger has been sharing glimpses of his intense training sessions on social media. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Start Farming with Samruddhi Managed Farmlands Hosachiguru Book Now Undo For the role, he has undergone a drastic physical transformation, pushing himself beyond limits to deliver yet another power-packed performance. Helmed by director A. Harsha, "Baaghi 4" promises to take action to a whole new level. The film was officially unveiled by Tiger Shroff in November 2024, when he shared a gripping first-look poster across his social media handles. The poster shows the actor in a raw, intense avatar, sitting on a toilet seat with a knife in one hand and a bottle in the other, surrounded by blood-soaked walls and unconscious bodies sprawled across the floor. The upcoming actioner is all set to release in theatres on September 5, 2025. Check out our list of the latest Hindi , English , Tamil , Telugu , Malayalam , and Kannada movies . Don't miss our picks for the best Hindi movies , best Tamil movies, and best Telugu films .
NDTV
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- NDTV
Why Hrithik Roshan Rejected Abhishek Bachchan's Role In Bunty Aur Babli
New Delhi: Shaad Ali's crime comedy film Bunty Aur Babli was released 20 years ago, on May 27, 2005. The film was led by Rani Mukerji and Abhishek Bachchan. In a recent conversation with Bollywood Hungama, the director made surprising revelations as he stated that Hrithik Roshan was the original choice for Abhishek Bachchan's role in the film. Shaad Ali, the director further revealed that Rani Mukerji was always the chosen leading lady. However, for the male lead, despite several conversations with Rakesh Roshan and Hrithik Roshan, the latter was not ready to enter the small-town space yet. Nevertheless, it was Hrithik who ended up coming up with the killer ending of Bunty Aur Babli. What Bunty Aur Babli completed 20 years of its release yesterday. The film had Abhishek Bachchan and Rani Mukerji in the lead, Amitabh Bachchan in a key role, and a cameo by Aishwarya Rai Bachchan. Director Shaad Ali revealed Hrithik was the initial choice for the male lead, he told Bollywood Hungama, "Yes, we did meet Hrithik as he was our first choice. We sat for a few months with him. Rakesh ji (Rakesh Roshan) liked the script a lot and he was keen that Hrithik should sign the film." Citing the reason why the War actor rejected the role, the filmmaker said, "Hrithik was not very comfortable entering the small-town space at that time. He did a very good job of it later in Super 30 (2019), though. Back then, he had his reservations. He did, however, have many creative ideas for the film. In fact, it was Hrithik's idea that Bunty and Babli should return to conning in the final scene. He reasoned, 'They're like Superman! They can't go back to normal life and never return to the con world.' Originally, the story ended with Bunty and Babli being let off and becoming law-abiding citizens. I should have thanked Hrithik in the credits." The Plot Bunty Aur Babli tells the story of two small-town con artists played by Abhishek Bachchan and Rani Mukerji, and a police officer (Amitabh Bachchan) who is on a neverending hunt to track them down. Rakesh Trivedi (Abhishek Bachchan) and Vimmi Saluja (Rani Mukerji) hide their identities and soon begin responding to the sobriquet Bunty Aur Babli. With one trick following the other, the duo became famous for their notorious acts across the country. How Bunty Aur Babli Ended Considering the director Shaad Ali acknowledged Hrithik for coming up with the ending, here's a recap. The film ended with Bunty Aur Babli giving up their criminal lives, as they become parents. For the sake of their newborn child, they express deep remorse and regret to JCP Dashrath Singh (Amitabh Bachchan) and promise to do better. The police officer has a change of heart, and the twist comes with a new offer from him. Three years later, he advises Bunty Aur Babli to use their skills as con artists, in a positive way to catch scammers and work for the government. Remake And Sequel For the unversed, Bunty Aur Babli was also remade in Telugu titled Bhale Dongalu. The 2008 film black-comedy film was directed by K Vijaya Bhaskar and had Tarun, Ileana, and Jagapati Babu in the lead. A sequel to Bunty Aur Babli was also made in 2021. While Rani Mukerji returned as Sonia Rawat, Saif Ali Khan was the male lead, Kunal Singh. It is an all new story of two individuals, who heard the story of the original Bunty Aur Babli and how they escaped from the clutches of law. Sonia and Kunal believe they could have the same destiny. The film also had Siddhant Chaturvedi and Sharvari Wagh in the supporting cast. The film had a lukewarm response at the box office. In A Nutshell For fans, it takes a little time to visualize Hrithik Roshan opposite Rani Mukerji in the film, which went on to become one of YRF's cult classics. Though Hrithik Roshan rejected Abhishek Bachchan's role in Bunty Aur Babli, his contribution in adding a twist to the ending sequence, deserves a mention.
Time of India
4 days ago
- Entertainment
- Time of India
Jr NTR pays tribute to grandfather NTR on 102nd birth anniversary amid fan frenzy at NTR ghat
paid a heartfelt tribute to his legendary grandfather, Nandamuri Taraka Rama Rao (NTR), on the occasion of his 102nd birth anniversary today on May 28. Accompanied by his brother Kalyan Ram, the actor arrived early morning at the NTR Ghat, a revered spot where fans gather to honor the iconic leader and actor. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now Fans overwhelm with love As the 'RRR' actor stepped out, an enthusiastic crowd of fans quickly surrounded him, eager to catch a glimpse of their beloved star. Despite the efforts of his security team to maintain order, the fans' excitement was overwhelming. Recognizing their passion, Jr NTR warmly greeted the crowd and extended his hand. The fans eagerly grabbed his palm, holding on tightly, prompting the security personnel to step in and manage the situation. Throughout the commotion, Jr NTR remained calm and smiling, waving at his supporters who had been waiting patiently since early morning. After the warm interaction, he and Kalyan Ram proceeded to pay floral respects at the memorial, honoring their grandfather's enduring legacy before leaving the venue. Recently, Jr NTR shared a post on X (formerly Twitter), "Your voice has elevated the value of the Telugu language. Your love has made Telugu resonate louder. With such a great responsibility, we must protect and nurture this richness further." – With love, your Nandamuri Rao Jr. Bollywood debut with 'War 2' Jr NTR is currently busy preparing for his highly anticipated Bollywood debut, 'War 2', where he stars alongside Hrithik Roshan and Kiara Advani. Directed by Ayan Mukerji, this action thriller is a sequel to the 2019 blockbuster 'War' and is scheduled to release on August 14, 2025, just ahead of India's Independence Day. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now The teaser of the film was released on May 20, 2025, coinciding with Jr NTR's 41st birthday. The teaser features Hrithik Roshan reprising his role as Agent Kabir in a darker, more intense avatar. Fans were treated to adrenaline-pumping moments including sword fights, hand-to-hand combat, car chases, and even a fierce battle with a wolf. Jr NTR makes a powerful debut in Bollywood as the antagonist in a thrilling face-off against Hrithik's character. He is also gearing up for another exciting project directed by 'KGF' and 'Salaar' fame , tentatively titled 'NTRNeel'. The film has already begun shooting.
