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From Hollywood scripts to high-stakes diplomacy, ancient Taoist philosophy is having a main character moment in global affairs. Why? According to Prof. Misha Tadd of Nankai University, it’s all about \"paradoxical language that forces us to rethink power.\"
When Leaders Channel Lao Tzu
Remember when former U.S. President Ronald Reagan compared governing to \"cooking a small fish\" in a 1988 speech? That quirky metaphor came straight from the Tao Te Ching, showing how timeless ideas about humility resonate even in modern politics.
Water Beats Rocks (and Egos)
Former UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon once gifted Barack Obama the phrase \"Shang Shan Ruo Shui\" (the highest good is like water) – a nod to Taoism’s emphasis on adaptability. \"Water shapes mountains without force,\" explains Prof. Tadd. \"It’s diplomacy through soft power.\"
Yin-Yang 101 for World Peace
Could balancing opposites – a core Taoist concept – ease global tensions? From climate negotiations to trade deals, leaders increasingly reference principles like \"wu wei\" (effortless action) to champion cooperation over confrontation.
Cover image designed by Huang Ruiqi. Video edited by Qi Jianqiang.
NewspaperAmigo – Your Global News Buddy 
Why? According to Prof. Misha Tadd of Nankai University, it’s all about \"paradoxical language that forces us to rethink power.\"
That quirky metaphor came straight from the Tao Te Ching, showing how timeless ideas about humility resonate even in modern politics.
– a nod to Taoism’s emphasis on adaptability. \"Water shapes mountains without force,\" explains Prof. Tadd. \"It’s diplomacy through soft power.\"
From climate negotiations to trade deals, leaders increasingly reference principles like \"wu wei\" (effortless action) to champion cooperation over confrontation.
