Empire Podcast Episode 255: Victorian Narcos: From Opium To Fentanyl

Release Date: May 14, 2025
Hosts: William Dalrymple and Anita Anand
Guest: Stephen Platt, author of Imperial Twilight: Dismantling the Myths of the Opium War

Introduction to the Opium Wars

In this episode, Hosts William Dalrymple and Anita Anand delve deep into the intricate narratives surrounding the Opium Wars, their profound impact on China, and the legacy that continues to influence modern global issues like the fentanyl crisis.

Stephen Platt joins the conversation as a guest to shed light on his extensive research and insights from his acclaimed book Imperial Twilight. Platt provides a comprehensive examination of the First and Second Opium Wars, emphasizing the moral dilemmas faced by the British Empire and the devastating consequences for China.

Moral Conflicts and the First Opium War

The discussion begins with the horrifying realities of the First Opium War, highlighting the stark technological disparities between the British and the Qing Dynasty.

William Dalrymple [02:24]: "In the first Opium War, each engagement is really a slaughter and a massacre."

Stephen Platt confirms the moral agony experienced by British soldiers:

Stephen Platt [02:52]: "British naval officers were begging not to attack any more cities in China. They wrote how this is murder."

The ethical conflict is further illustrated by the grim aftermath of battles, where entire populations were decimated even before British gunfire commenced.

Treaty of Nanjing and Its Aftermath

The imposition of the Treaty of Nanjing in 1842 marked the beginning of China's "Unequal Treaties" era, fundamentally altering the nation's sovereignty and economic landscape.

Stephen Platt [05:54]: "This was China's first war with a Western power. They lost completely. The British dictated the terms at gunpoint."

Key concessions included:

• Hong Kong Colony: Acquired by the British and remained under their control until 1997.
• Opening of Five Treaty Ports: Cities like Shanghai became hubs for British trade, disrupting the traditional monopoly of Canton.

Platt underscores the treaty’s long-term economic burdens on China:

Stephen Platt [07:30]: "It's going to set a pattern for a series of wars... until you have a Chinese government where most of its revenue is going to paying off loans."

The Second Opium War and Legalization of Opium

Fifteen years after the First Opium War, the Second Opium War erupted under seemingly trivial pretenses but was primarily driven by British and French desires to expand their economic gains.

Stephen Platt [25:23]: "The grounds of the second Opium War are just absurd. It was sparked by the insult of a Qing official taking down the British flag."

The culmination of this conflict led to the Convention of Peking and the Treaty of Tientsin, which further eroded Chinese sovereignty and formally legalized opium, exacerbating addiction and economic instability.

Economic Exploitation and Social Impact

The opium trade had far-reaching consequences, fostering economic dependency and societal decay within China. Platt elucidates how opium became integral to government revenues, perpetuating a cycle of addiction and financial instability.

Stephen Platt [35:20]: "By the early decades of the 20th century, between 3 and 10% of Chinese population... was using opium."

Anita Anand draws parallels between historical opium exploitation and the modern fentanyl crisis, highlighting the recurring theme of economic imperatives overshadowing ethical considerations.

The Taiping Rebellion and Continued Strife

Following the economic devastation of the Opium Wars, the Taiping Rebellion emerged as one of history’s deadliest conflicts, further destabilizing China and paving the way for the second war.

Stephen Platt [16:43]: "The Taiping Rebellion is going to emerge by the beginning of the 1850s... leading to the largest civil war in human history."

The rebellion underscored the deep-seated unrest and the dire consequences of imperial interference in China's internal affairs.

Legacy of the Opium Wars in Modern China

The hosts explore how the Opium Wars are ingrained in Chinese national consciousness as a period of national humiliation, shaping contemporary policies and attitudes towards the West.

Stephen Platt [37:58]: "Never forget national humiliation... it's a binding force."

William Dalrymple connects this historical trauma to current geopolitical tensions, illustrating how past grievances continue to influence China's interactions on the global stage.

Parallels to the Modern Fentanyl Crisis

Drawing a direct line from the opium trade to today’s fentanyl epidemic, Platt emphasizes the cyclical nature of drug exploitation tied to economic and political motivations.

Stephen Platt [42:06]: "The justification for all the tariffs that he's instituting right now are the emergency caused by fentanyl."

Anita Anand and Platt discuss how modern narratives around drug crises mirror those of the past, attributing blame to external forces and perpetuating cycles of addiction and economic manipulation.

Conclusion and Reflections

As the episode wraps up, the hosts and Platt reflect on the enduring impact of the Opium Wars and the recurring patterns of exploitation and resistance. They highlight the importance of understanding historical contexts to navigate and address present-day global challenges.

Anita Anand introduces the upcoming focus on the Yalta Conference, setting the stage for exploring post-World War II geopolitical reshaping and its parallels with imperial-era conflicts.

Key Takeaways:

• Moral Dilemmas: The Opium Wars exposed deep ethical conflicts within the British Empire, highlighting the brutality of imperialistic pursuits.
• Economic Exploitation: The treaties imposed on China facilitated economic dominance by Western powers, leading to long-term financial and social instability.
• Historical Legacies: The narrative of national humiliation from the Opium Wars continues to influence modern Chinese policies and international relations.
• Recurring Patterns: The exploitation seen in the opium trade finds echoes in contemporary issues like the fentanyl crisis, emphasizing the persistent nature of power-driven economic manipulations.

Notable Quotes:

• William Dalrymple [02:24]: "In the first Opium War, each engagement is really a slaughter and a massacre."
• Stephen Platt [05:54]: "This was China's first war with a Western power. They lost completely. The British dictated the terms at gunpoint."
• Stephen Platt [37:58]: "Never forget national humiliation... it's a binding force."
• Stephen Platt [42:06]: "The justification for all the tariffs that he's instituting right now are the emergency caused by fentanyl."

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This summary aims to provide a comprehensive overview of the key discussions and insights from Empire Podcast Episode 255, ensuring a coherent and engaging narrative for those who haven't listened to the episode.