In this episode of Inside West Point: Ideas that Impact, we welcome Colonel John Gregory, Deputy Head of the West Point Department of English and World Languages. Colonel Gregory shares his extensive background, including his roles at West Point, his education, and his experiences in Taiwan and China. Ever wondered how studying 18th‑century Chinese law feeds into modern military insight? To draw these connections, Gregory shares stories of his Voice of America Mandarin media debut and archival discoveries at Academia Sinica.
The conversation delves into the differences between Chinese and American legal and military systems, the impact of historical narratives on military strategy, and the importance of critical thinking in the U.S. Army. Gregory also provides insights into China's military modernization efforts and offers advice for new professors. The episode concludes with Gregory sharing his views on the perception of West Point in China and his best leadership advice.
00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome
00:11 Colonel John Gregory's Background
00:53 Understanding Philology
01:41 Media Encounters and Gitmo Discussion
02:38 Fulbright Experience in Taiwan
04:22 Research on Chinese Law and Archives
06:55 US-China Legal System Comparison
12:40 Cadet Development and Language Studies
16:15 Cultural Differences in Military Practices
21:03 China's Historical and Political Context
23:03 US-China Competition and Modernization
38:08 Rapid Fire Questions and Conclusion
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