Ian Johnson Keynote Speaker

Pulitzer Prize for coverage of China.
Senior Fellow for China Studies at the Council on Foreign Relations.
Earning the Stanford University’s Shorenstein Journalism Award in 2017 for his extensive reporting on Asia.

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Ian Johnson's Biography

Ian Johnson, a Pulitzer Prize-winning writer and a distinguished senior fellow for China studies at the Council on Foreign Relations, is renowned for his insightful analysis and deep understanding of Chinese affairs. His speaking topics primarily include China’s underground historians, the battle for historical narrative control in China, and the implications of religious revival in Chinese society.

Johnson’s latest book, “Sparks: China’s Underground Historians and their Battle for the Future,” published in 2023, highlights the resilience of historical narratives against the stringent controls of Xi Jinping’s regime. He first ventured to China as a student in Beijing from 1984 to 1985 and has since maintained a profound connection with the country, deepening his expertise through extensive living and research experiences.

His educational journey in Chinese studies took him from Beijing to Taipei, where he studied from 1986 to 1988. He embarked on a career in journalism, working as a correspondent in China for Baltimore’s The Sun (1994-1996) and The Wall Street Journal (1997-2001). During this period, Johnson covered significant events like China’s WTO accession and the Falun Gong crackdown. His commitment to understanding China’s intricate societal layers led him to volunteer with The Taoist Restoration Society, connecting him closely with China’s indigenous religions.

Johnson’s expertise in Chinese affairs continued to grow as he taught at The Beijing Center for Chinese Studies and served as an advisor to The Journal of Asian Studies. He is currently based in New York, contributing to his field as a senior fellow and pursuing a Ph.D. at the University of Leipzig on Chinese religious associations. Ian Johnson, a native of Montréal, Canada, who holds dual citizenship in the U.S. and Canada, currently resides in Brooklyn, New York with his family. His career and personal pursuits deeply embody his dedication to exploring and understanding the intricate aspects of Chinese society and history.

His journalistic excellence is evident in his achievements, which include the 2001 Pulitzer Prize for his coverage of China, multiple awards from prestigious organizations, and the 2020-2021 National Endowment for the Humanities Public Scholars fellowship. Johnson’s prolific writing includes four books, notable among them “The Souls of China: The Return of Religion After Mao” (2017) and “Wild Grass” (2004). Additionally, he has contributed to various influential publications, enhancing the understanding of Chinese culture and politics.

Ian Johnson’s exceptional speaking capabilities are a testament to his extensive knowledge and deep passion for Chinese history and society. As a speaker, he engages his audience with compelling narratives, weaving his firsthand experiences and rigorous research into captivating talks. His ability to elucidate complex topics, from the underground historical movements in China to the intricate interplay of religion and politics, makes him a highly sought-after speaker in academic, journalistic, and policy-making circles. Johnson’s eloquent delivery, informed perspectives, and the richness of his experiences in China offer invaluable insights, making him an indispensable voice in discussions about Chinese affairs and their global impact. Whether addressing a scholarly conference or a public forum, Ian Johnson consistently enlightens and inspires his audience, leaving them with a deeper understanding of the nuances of Chinese history and current affairs.