Chinese leaders are keen to project their country’s military and economic power on the global stage. As part of that playbook, our guest says, they have been recalling — rather selectively — the story of China’s involvement in the Second World War.

Against the odds, even against hope, African American poets, artists and intellectuals have believed in the democratic project. It’s a dim flame they’ve kept alive for all to nourish. Our guest urges you to meet that challenge.

Activist and analyst Agnieszka Graff joins us from Warsaw to break down the surprising outcome of Poland’s national elections. She says the country’s feminist movement — and the visual arts — played a vital role in challenging the ruling party’s authoritarian creep.

As Will heads to Oxford for a semester, we welcome a new guest host. And we preview what’s coming up in S7: from a live show in Austin to questions about who owns African art — and African history.