Maura Elizabeth Cunningham
@mauracunningham.bsky.social
She/her. China historian and writer in Ann Arbor, Michigan. Also reader, knitter, Phillies/Flyers fan, road tripper.
https://mauracunningham.org/
https://mauracunningham.org/
Reposted by Maura Elizabeth Cunningham
Restraint may be targeted, but it is never contained. From Tahrir to Derry, Johannesburg, and, now, Minnesota:
open.substack.com/pub/interrup...
open.substack.com/pub/interrup...
Fragile Lines
From Tahrir Square, to Northern Ireland, South Africa, and, now, Minnesota—the lesson is that state violence does not restore authority, but exposes its limits.
open.substack.com
January 30, 2026 at 2:15 PM
Restraint may be targeted, but it is never contained. From Tahrir to Derry, Johannesburg, and, now, Minnesota:
open.substack.com/pub/interrup...
open.substack.com/pub/interrup...
Reposted by Maura Elizabeth Cunningham
Look what came in the mail!
January 30, 2026 at 3:09 AM
Look what came in the mail!
"Every social theory undergirding Trumpism has been broken on the steel of Minnesotan resolve. The multiracial community in Minneapolis was supposed to shatter. It did not. It held until Bovino was forced out of the Twin Cities with his long coat between his legs."
Minnesota Proved MAGA Wrong
The pushback against ICE exposed a series of mistaken assumptions.
www.theatlantic.com
January 30, 2026 at 1:15 PM
"Every social theory undergirding Trumpism has been broken on the steel of Minnesotan resolve. The multiracial community in Minneapolis was supposed to shatter. It did not. It held until Bovino was forced out of the Twin Cities with his long coat between his legs."
Reposted by Maura Elizabeth Cunningham
Today is Fred Korematsu Day.
Korematsu is a Japanese American civil rights icon. He sued the US government over the internment of Japanese Americans during World War II.
Sadly, in Korematsu v. United States, the Supreme Court upheld the removal of American citizens to concentration camps.
1/2
Korematsu is a Japanese American civil rights icon. He sued the US government over the internment of Japanese Americans during World War II.
Sadly, in Korematsu v. United States, the Supreme Court upheld the removal of American citizens to concentration camps.
1/2
January 30, 2026 at 12:27 PM
Today is Fred Korematsu Day.
Korematsu is a Japanese American civil rights icon. He sued the US government over the internment of Japanese Americans during World War II.
Sadly, in Korematsu v. United States, the Supreme Court upheld the removal of American citizens to concentration camps.
1/2
Korematsu is a Japanese American civil rights icon. He sued the US government over the internment of Japanese Americans during World War II.
Sadly, in Korematsu v. United States, the Supreme Court upheld the removal of American citizens to concentration camps.
1/2
When Tabitha Speelman visited independent bookstores in Chengdu, "I found myself both excited about all the opinions on display, and nostalgic for the time when this type of public gathering was more readily available nationwide."
How China’s Independent Bookstores Survive | China Books Review
Even as restrictions tighten in Beijing, independent bookstores in Chengdu have flourished — showing how offline community and public debate can thrive. But it’s hard.
chinabooksreview.com
January 30, 2026 at 12:15 PM
When Tabitha Speelman visited independent bookstores in Chengdu, "I found myself both excited about all the opinions on display, and nostalgic for the time when this type of public gathering was more readily available nationwide."
Reposted by Maura Elizabeth Cunningham
I wrote an essay that is a mini biography about her. www.neh.gov/humanities/2...
The Dramatist
www.neh.gov
January 30, 2026 at 12:05 PM
I wrote an essay that is a mini biography about her. www.neh.gov/humanities/2...
Reposted by Maura Elizabeth Cunningham
Every year at the anniversary of her birth I’m amazed there is still no biography about historian and author Barbara Tuchman.
January 30, 2026 at 11:14 AM
Every year at the anniversary of her birth I’m amazed there is still no biography about historian and author Barbara Tuchman.
Reposted by Maura Elizabeth Cunningham
“The test of our progress is not whether we add more to the abundance of those who have much; it is whether we provide enough for those who have too little.”
Franklin D. Roosevelt, born on this day in 1882
Franklin D. Roosevelt, born on this day in 1882
January 30, 2026 at 11:23 AM
“The test of our progress is not whether we add more to the abundance of those who have much; it is whether we provide enough for those who have too little.”
Franklin D. Roosevelt, born on this day in 1882
Franklin D. Roosevelt, born on this day in 1882
Reposted by Maura Elizabeth Cunningham
Finally dropped the Nuzzi episode
www.patreon.com/posts/olivia...
www.patreon.com/posts/olivia...
January 29, 2026 at 2:01 PM
Finally dropped the Nuzzi episode
www.patreon.com/posts/olivia...
www.patreon.com/posts/olivia...
Reposted by Maura Elizabeth Cunningham
I think if Bruce Springsteen is writing protest songs about it, you can say for sure that an issue has cut through.
I wrote this song on Saturday, recorded it yesterday and released it to you today in response to the state terror being visited on the city of Minneapolis. It’s dedicated to the people of Minneapolis, our innocent immigrant neighbors and in memory of Alex Pretti and Renee Good.
Stay free
Stay free
Bruce Springsteen - Streets Of Minneapolis (Official Audio)
YouTube video by Bruce Springsteen
youtu.be
January 28, 2026 at 9:05 PM
I think if Bruce Springsteen is writing protest songs about it, you can say for sure that an issue has cut through.
Reposted by Maura Elizabeth Cunningham
The #AAS2026 Program Committee has selected three late-breaking sessions for the conference program. Learn more and add them to your personal schedule now!
https://www.asianstudies.org/conference/late-breaking-sessions/
https://www.asianstudies.org/conference/late-breaking-sessions/
January 28, 2026 at 6:30 PM
The #AAS2026 Program Committee has selected three late-breaking sessions for the conference program. Learn more and add them to your personal schedule now!
https://www.asianstudies.org/conference/late-breaking-sessions/
https://www.asianstudies.org/conference/late-breaking-sessions/
Reposted by Maura Elizabeth Cunningham
I wrote this song on Saturday, recorded it yesterday and released it to you today in response to the state terror being visited on the city of Minneapolis. It’s dedicated to the people of Minneapolis, our innocent immigrant neighbors and in memory of Alex Pretti and Renee Good.
Stay free
Stay free
Bruce Springsteen - Streets Of Minneapolis (Official Audio)
YouTube video by Bruce Springsteen
youtu.be
January 28, 2026 at 5:02 PM
I wrote this song on Saturday, recorded it yesterday and released it to you today in response to the state terror being visited on the city of Minneapolis. It’s dedicated to the people of Minneapolis, our innocent immigrant neighbors and in memory of Alex Pretti and Renee Good.
Stay free
Stay free
Reposted by Maura Elizabeth Cunningham
Reposted by Maura Elizabeth Cunningham
New #AsiaNow post: JAS Editor Joseph Alter discusses how increased use of AI has led to more submissions to the journal (almost 800 in 2025!) and also prompted him to think about the relationship between an author and their work.
https://www.asianstudies.org/the-journal-of-asian-studies-and-ai/
https://www.asianstudies.org/the-journal-of-asian-studies-and-ai/
The Journal of Asian Studies and AI - Association for Asian Studies
By Joseph S. Alter It is difficult to exaggerate the impact of AI on academia in general and on scholarly publishing in particular. Tools such as ChatGPT and Claude have made it possible for anyone to turn free-floating information into what looks like knowledge using a combination of real and artificial intelligence. There are many […]
www.asianstudies.org
January 28, 2026 at 3:20 PM
New #AsiaNow post: JAS Editor Joseph Alter discusses how increased use of AI has led to more submissions to the journal (almost 800 in 2025!) and also prompted him to think about the relationship between an author and their work.
https://www.asianstudies.org/the-journal-of-asian-studies-and-ai/
https://www.asianstudies.org/the-journal-of-asian-studies-and-ai/
Reposted by Maura Elizabeth Cunningham
Death of an Indian tech worker: A wave of suicides and widespread AI-fueled layoffs reveal a workforce under extreme pressure
Death of an Indian tech worker
A wave of suicides and widespread AI-fueled layoffs reveal a workforce under extreme pressure.
restofworld.org
January 27, 2026 at 5:26 PM
Death of an Indian tech worker: A wave of suicides and widespread AI-fueled layoffs reveal a workforce under extreme pressure
"What China's Thinking," an interesting new long-form interview column from the @chinabooksreview.com team, launches with Yi Liu talking to Chengdu-based blogger and bookstore owner Zhang Feng.
Zhang Feng on China's New Media | China Books Review
The prolific social media blogger explains how censorship works in the era of WeChat, and talks us through a changing media landscape, in our new column on the biggest ideas out of China.
chinabooksreview.com
January 28, 2026 at 12:45 PM
"What China's Thinking," an interesting new long-form interview column from the @chinabooksreview.com team, launches with Yi Liu talking to Chengdu-based blogger and bookstore owner Zhang Feng.
Reposted by Maura Elizabeth Cunningham
Out today: THE CROWN'S SILENCE
I'm delighted to share that my new book is officially out! It traces the British monarchy's involvement in the transatlantic slave trade and colonial slavery over hundreds of years. Please buy a copy, tell your library, & spread the word. bookshop.org/p/books/the-...
I'm delighted to share that my new book is officially out! It traces the British monarchy's involvement in the transatlantic slave trade and colonial slavery over hundreds of years. Please buy a copy, tell your library, & spread the word. bookshop.org/p/books/the-...
January 27, 2026 at 12:02 PM
Out today: THE CROWN'S SILENCE
I'm delighted to share that my new book is officially out! It traces the British monarchy's involvement in the transatlantic slave trade and colonial slavery over hundreds of years. Please buy a copy, tell your library, & spread the word. bookshop.org/p/books/the-...
I'm delighted to share that my new book is officially out! It traces the British monarchy's involvement in the transatlantic slave trade and colonial slavery over hundreds of years. Please buy a copy, tell your library, & spread the word. bookshop.org/p/books/the-...
Reposted by Maura Elizabeth Cunningham
A government can only go to war against its citizens if it can afford to ignore them. The road to Minneapolis ran through the gilded line-up beside Trump at Inauguration. Oligarchy is the timely topic this Fri/Sat at an amazing event, details here @ucirvine.bsky.social
sites.uci.edu/forum/
sites.uci.edu/forum/
January 27, 2026 at 8:52 PM
A government can only go to war against its citizens if it can afford to ignore them. The road to Minneapolis ran through the gilded line-up beside Trump at Inauguration. Oligarchy is the timely topic this Fri/Sat at an amazing event, details here @ucirvine.bsky.social
sites.uci.edu/forum/
sites.uci.edu/forum/
Reposted by Maura Elizabeth Cunningham
We are still seeking potential Conference Mentors for #AAS2026 in Vancouver—advanced scholars are invited to apply by this Friday, January 30!
https://bit.ly/CFM-2026
https://bit.ly/CFM-2026
January 27, 2026 at 2:02 PM
We are still seeking potential Conference Mentors for #AAS2026 in Vancouver—advanced scholars are invited to apply by this Friday, January 30!
https://bit.ly/CFM-2026
https://bit.ly/CFM-2026
Reposted by Maura Elizabeth Cunningham
btw, this bit of wisdom is very true for any kind of creative endeavor, not just writing.
thank you for reminding us that trying times mean that we need to be extra careful to also feed our souls w/ what bring us joy, & that even tiny morsels can be enough to keep us going
thank you for reminding us that trying times mean that we need to be extra careful to also feed our souls w/ what bring us joy, & that even tiny morsels can be enough to keep us going
ok i wrote a little pep talk for everyone who isn't writing right now but wants to be <3 1000wordsofsummer.substack.com/p/for-when-y...
For When You Feel Like You Can't Write
Think about the little things.
1000wordsofsummer.substack.com
January 27, 2026 at 1:34 AM
btw, this bit of wisdom is very true for any kind of creative endeavor, not just writing.
thank you for reminding us that trying times mean that we need to be extra careful to also feed our souls w/ what bring us joy, & that even tiny morsels can be enough to keep us going
thank you for reminding us that trying times mean that we need to be extra careful to also feed our souls w/ what bring us joy, & that even tiny morsels can be enough to keep us going
Reposted by Maura Elizabeth Cunningham
Reposted by Maura Elizabeth Cunningham
During your time in Vancouver during #AAS2026, a can't-miss field trip is a visit to the UBC Museum of Anthropology to see the permanent collection and a special exhibit, "Entangled Territories: Tibet Through Images."
https://moa.ubc.ca/
https://moa.ubc.ca/
January 26, 2026 at 9:00 PM
During your time in Vancouver during #AAS2026, a can't-miss field trip is a visit to the UBC Museum of Anthropology to see the permanent collection and a special exhibit, "Entangled Territories: Tibet Through Images."
https://moa.ubc.ca/
https://moa.ubc.ca/
Reposted by Maura Elizabeth Cunningham
There's a lot to discuss this week, so let's get to it: events in Minneapolis, the second first year of Trump, revisionist history at the President's House, plus other stories. Oh, and a whole section of China links, as usual.
Weekly Wanderings: January 25, 2026
WHAT A WEEK We’ve truly made the final transition from news cycle to news tornado. As the number of links below indicate, I spent way too much time every evening sitting on my couch doom-scrolling …
mauracunningham.org
January 25, 2026 at 4:34 PM
There's a lot to discuss this week, so let's get to it: events in Minneapolis, the second first year of Trump, revisionist history at the President's House, plus other stories. Oh, and a whole section of China links, as usual.
Reposted by Maura Elizabeth Cunningham
In case anyone was wondering how it’s going over on American Girl doll Instagram
January 25, 2026 at 10:21 PM
In case anyone was wondering how it’s going over on American Girl doll Instagram
There's a lot to discuss this week, so let's get to it: events in Minneapolis, the second first year of Trump, revisionist history at the President's House, plus other stories. Oh, and a whole section of China links, as usual.
Weekly Wanderings: January 25, 2026
WHAT A WEEK We’ve truly made the final transition from news cycle to news tornado. As the number of links below indicate, I spent way too much time every evening sitting on my couch doom-scrolling …
mauracunningham.org
January 25, 2026 at 4:34 PM
There's a lot to discuss this week, so let's get to it: events in Minneapolis, the second first year of Trump, revisionist history at the President's House, plus other stories. Oh, and a whole section of China links, as usual.