Euro-Pacific Dialogue in Switzerland: Highlights from Our Latest Event

Newsletter
Summer 2024
 
The Center for Peace and Conflict Studies
 
The Euro-Pacific Dialogue in Switzerland 
 
Dear Colleagues and Friends, 
 
As summer unfolds, it is with great pleasure that I share the recent endeavors and achievements of the Asia-Pacific Program of the Center for Peace and Conflict Studies (CPCS) with you.
 
In this edition of our newsletter, we report to you about the conference we co-organized in Switzerland: 
Euro-Pacific Dialogue: Strategies for Peace and Security Amid China-US Rivalry and Ukraine War, Glion, Switzerland, 23-25 June 2024
 
This event brought together leading scholars and experts from East Asia, the USA, and Europe to address pressing geopolitical issues, including the China-US rivalry and the Ukraine war. This dialogue marked the first time our dialogue project was held in Europe, in collaboration with the Geneva Centre for Security Policy (GCSP). It was generously supported by the Henry Luce Foundation as well the GCSP.
 
Within the following pages, we welcome you to review the key details and general information about this conference. Your continued support and engagement with our work are greatly appreciated.
 
Warm regards, 
 
Zheng Wang 
Director, Center for Peace and Conflict Studies 

The Euro-Pacific Dialogue in Switzerland:
Navigating the Ukraine War and the U.S.-China Confrontation 
 
  
On June 23-25, 2024, the Center for Peace and Conflict Studies (CPCS) co-hosted an international dialogue conference titled "Euro-Pacific Dialogue: Strategies for Peace and Security Amid China-US Rivalry and Ukraine War" in Glion, Switzerland. Dr. Zheng Wang, Director of CPCS, and Dr. Linda Maduz, Asia Programme Manager at the Geneva Centre for Security Policy (GCSP), co-convened this conference. This event is the latest in a series of dialogues as part of the “US-China Security Dialogues,” funded by the Henry Luce Foundation. The Center conducted a successful conference in Tokyo last year. Notably, this is the first time the dialogue is being held in Europe and in collaboration with a European institution. Held at the Hotel Victoria in Glion, the location was chosen by our Swiss partners for its tranquil environment, just an hour’s train ride from Geneva.

Participants group photo, Glion, Switzerland, June 25, 2024

This conference brought together 22 participants from East Asia, the USA, and various European countries, ensuring rich geographical diversity. The attendees included leaders from prominent think tanks such as the Peace Research Institute Oslo (PRIO), Shanghai Institutes for International Studies (SIIS), and the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI). Professors from major universities including Peking, Oxford, Stanford, Tokyo, Yonsei, and The National Chengchi University contributed to the discussions. The conference included participants from diverse backgrounds, including former ambassadors, professors, and think tank experts, encompassing both leading scholars and rising stars. This diverse group of experts provided profound insights into the pressing geopolitical issues of our time.
 
Dr. Courtney Smith, the Dean of the School of Diplomacy and International Relations, delivered the opening address and chaired two sessions throughout the conference. Professor Margaret Lewis from Seton Hall Law School also attended and presented during the conference.

Ambassador Karl Eikenberry presented key-note speech, June 24, 2024

The conference was conducted at a critical time for international security. The participants underscored the importance of policy community exchanges and dialogue when facing major uncertainties and challenges, especially as many global issues become more interconnected and securitized. Both Europe and East Asia are in the process of remaking their regional security orders. Many discussions centered on China-US relations during the election year, questioning whether recent diplomatic engagements signify a genuine reset or a strategic “time-out” influenced by the upcoming US presidential election. The Ukraine war was another major focus, with experts debating the future security order of Europe. The discussions explored how the conflict is reshaping European security dynamics, the roles of global powers like China in this evolving landscape.
 
In addition, the conference addressed the complexities of cross-strait relations over Taiwan, assessing the strategic implications for regional stability. The analysis considered the potential effects of political transitions in Taiwan and the strategic responses from the US and China. A panel discussion was also dedicated to the forthcoming book, COVID-19 and US-China Relations, providing insights into how the pandemic has influenced bilateral relations and international policies.  
 
The Euro-Pacific Dialogue provided a platform for participants to engage in deep conversations and laid the groundwork for future collaborative efforts to address the challenges posed by the China-US rivalry and the Ukraine war.
 
Before and after the conference, Dr. Zheng Wang also visited multiple Swiss organizations and delivered a series of presentations at the Swiss Department of Foreign Affairs in Bern, the University of Geneva, the Geneva Centre for Security Policy, The Graduate Institute, Geneva (IHEID), the University of Zurich, and ETH Zürich.
 
CPCS extends its deepest gratitude to all participants, speakers, and sponsors for their contributions to the success of this conference. We look forward to continuing these important dialogues and advancing our mission of promoting global peace and security.