Flashpoints and Future of the U.S.-China Relationship

Overview

Delve into the complexities of U.S.-China relations with Flashpoints and Future of the U.S.-China Relationship, an intensive 1.5-day course designed to challenge and refine your understanding of this vital bilateral relationship. Through expert-led seminars and interactive exercises, dissect the factors influencing the relationship, from economic insights and domestic dynamics to security considerations and areas for strategic cooperation. A collaborative whiteboard exercise and roundtable luncheon with experienced practitioners will deepen your understanding of the relationship, offering a unique opportunity to engage in dynamic discussions with other leaders and analysts in the U.S.-China space and beyond.

This course covers three key areas: 1) understanding the current state and trajectory of U.S.-China relations; 2) dissecting the key factors driving today's relationship; and 3) analyzing how the relationship could evolve during the next U.S. administration. Ideal for those seeking an in-depth understanding and strategic insights, this course will equip you with the tools to anticipate and address the evolving dynamics between these two global superpowers. We invite you to join us in person for this upcoming course, with a virtual option available upon request.

Curriculum

Seminars (Day 1)

• Understanding U.S.-China Relations from Beijing’s Perspective  
  • Engage in discussion with a leading Chinese expert to address conversations and perspectives in Beijing about the current state of U.S.-China relations.  
• Economics and Trade
  • This session will provide an overview of China’s economy, its emerging domestic economic challenges, and implications for trading partners. It will also cover trade between the United States and China and other areas of economic competition.
• Security and Foreign Policy
  • Examine China’s approach to international and domestic security and how this impacts its foreign policy. This session will offer deep dives into China’s approach towards Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and China’s policy towards the Israel-Hamas conflict and the Middle East more generally.
• Domestic Drivers of U.S. and Chinese Foreign Policy  
  • Compare U.S. and Chinese domestic priorities and learn more about how they impact the countries’ foreign policy and bilateral relations. This session will integrate conclusions based on the outcome of the U.S. presidential elections in early November.  

Interactive Exercises (Day 2, half day)

• Areas of Cooperation in U.S.-China Relations
  • Explore potential avenues of cooperation for the United States and China. This includes several areas in which China and the United States may align strategically, such as in reducing carbon emissions, combatting fentanyl trafficking, and expanding people-to-people exchanges.
• Whiteboard Exercise: What’s Next for U.S.-China Relations?  
  • In this final session, participants will engage in an interactive whiteboard exercise to examine how U.S.-China relations could evolve over the next 4 years, building on each area of the relationship covered in the course.  

Additional Activities

• Roundtable Luncheon with Seasoned U.S. Practitioners

How to Register

The online application includes a short entry form, statement of interest, brief bio, and resume. Entries will be reviewed on a rolling basis. Please note that spaces are limited, and the course may fill before the deadline. Incomplete applications will not be considered.