Interintellect, a prominent platform for intellectual discourse, is set to host an insightful discussion featuring technology analyst Dan Wang, author of the forthcoming book "Breakneck: China's Quest to Engineer the Future," and Interintellect founder Anna Gat. The event aims to delve into the fundamental differences between the United States and China in their approaches to building, innovation, and policy. According to a recent tweet from Interintellect, the discussion will also explore "why they often misread each other’s nature."
Dan Wang's highly anticipated book, "Breakneck," scheduled for release on August 26, 2025, offers a unique perspective on China's rapid development and its implications for global geopolitics. The book examines China's "engineering state" model, characterized by its focus on large-scale infrastructure and technological advancement, contrasting it with what Wang describes as America's "lawyerly society." "Breakneck" blends rigorous analysis with immersive storytelling, traversing Chinese metropolises to reveal both the strengths and downsides of its state-driven progress.
Anna Gat, founder and CEO of Interintellect, has cultivated a global community dedicated to fostering deep, fearlessly open conversations. Interintellect is known for its online salons that bring together diverse thinkers to discuss complex topics across various disciplines. Gat's vision for the platform emphasizes creating spaces for engaged intellectual exchange, making it an ideal venue for exploring the nuanced themes presented in Wang's work.
The upcoming discussion is particularly timely given the escalating tensions and strategic competition between the US and China. Wang's research highlights how each nation could learn from the other, suggesting that Chinese citizens would benefit from greater individual liberties, while Americans could gain from a more embrace of engineering and collective outcomes. This dialogue promises to shed light on the critical misunderstandings that often define the relationship between the two global powers.
Attendees of the Interintellect event will have the opportunity to engage with the core arguments of "Breakneck" and gain a deeper understanding of the distinct pathways of development in the US and China. The conversation is expected to provide valuable insights for policymakers, academics, investors, and anyone interested in the future of the US-China dynamic.