Episode 7. Firewalls and Frontiers: Dr. Edward Lemon on his book and Eurasia’s Rebellion Against Chinese Authoritarian Tech and Subtle Algorithmic Rule

In this episode of Geopulse, host Tamim Asey sits down with Professor Edward Lemon — one of the world’s leading experts on authoritarianism, security, and geopolitics in Central Asia and beyond. Currently a Research Assistant Professor at Texas A&M’s Bush School and President of the Oxus Society, Professor Lemon has long been at the forefront of research on transnational repression, digital surveillance, and authoritarian legalism.We dive deep into his groundbreaking new book, Backlash: China’s Struggle for Influence in Central Asia, co-authored with Bradley Jardine and Niva Yau. Far from the narrative of unstoppable Chinese expansion, Backlash reveals a story of resistance, elite pushback, and geopolitical recalibration across the steppes and cities of Central Asia.Together, we explore:•How Central Asian populations are pushing back against Beijing’s digital surveillance tech rise.•The rise of digital authoritarianism and surveillance infrastructure.•Transnational repression and how regimes target dissidents abroad.•Regional security architecture shaped by China, Russia, and local regimes.•What the West gets wrong about influence and authoritarian resilience in the region.Join us for a gripping conversation on the hidden fault lines shaping one of the most strategically contested regions in the world.