"China v The West: Who's Winning?"

"China v The West: Who's Winning?"
With Mungo McCosh

Summary
In 1839, China entered what historians call its "century of humiliation" — a period of foreign invasion, imperial collapse, and national trauma. Less than 200 years later, it is the world's largest economy by some measures, with cities that make London and New York look like they're still catching up.

Mungo McCosh spent a year living in Shanghai at 21, travelling extensively across a country that most Westerners only encounter through headlines. Along the way he amassed 125,000 Instagram followers and found himself labelled an "Orienfluencer": part of a new wave of young Westerners so captivated by the East that critics accuse them of romanticising it as a mirror image of everything they feel the West has lost.

Mungo's take is harder to pin down than that. What he found in China was more complicated, more human, and more surprising than the headlines suggest on either side.

This isn't a geopolitics lecture, it's one young man's honest account of what daily life actually looks like on the other side of the world, and what a year of living it made him think about the country he grew up in. Come with your opinions. You might leave with different ones.

Bio
Mungo McCosh studies Chinese Studies at the University of Edinburgh and spent the last year living in Shanghai on his year abroad, travelling extensively across China and the wider region. He has been documenting his experiences throughout on YouTube and Instagram, amassing 125,000 followers in the process, and has been referenced in both The Spectator and The Telegraph in discussions around so-called "Orienfluencer" culture.

Venue:
Camden Town Brewery Beer Hall
55-59 Wilkin St. Mews
NW5 3ED

Event Running Time:
Doors from 5.15pm
Introduction: 5.40pm
Lecture: 5.45pm
Q&A: 6.25pm

FAQs:

What is Pints of Knowledge?

Pints of Knowledge is a series of public talks where experts, researchers, and big thinkers share fascinating ideas all in the relaxed setting of a pub. We bring brilliant minds and curious audiences together over a pint, covering topics from science and politics to history, art, and beyond.

What happens at Pints of Knowledge?

At each Pints of Knowledge event, you’ll hear engaging talks (approx. 40 minutes) from expert speakers on fascinating topics — followed by an audience Q&A (approx. 20 minutes). The vibe is informal and social, set in a pub where you can grab a drink, meet interesting people, and enjoy big ideas in a relaxed setting.

What if I don't drink alcohol?

No problem at all! Pints of Knowledge is all about the ideas and the community, not the drinks. You’re welcome to enjoy a soft drink, coffee, or whatever you prefer. The focus is on creating a relaxed, social atmosphere where everyone feels comfortable.

Can I attend without a ticket?

Tickets must be purchased online prior to the event. With our limited capacity at each venue we can't let people in without a ticket.

Is there food available?

Yes, there is always the option to purchase food at our events.

Can I get my ticket refunded?

We issue full ticket refunds if you have requested 7 days before the event. Any requests after will be at the discretion of the event organiser.

Can I get my ticket exchanged?

We issue full ticket exchanges if you have requested 7 days before the event. Any requests after will be at the discretion of the event organiser.

Is the event pet friendly?

Yes, we allow pets to attend but reserve the right to request their removal if they are disruptive.