Forum highlights global order at inflection point
The Eighth International Forum on Security and Strategy (IFSS), themed "Inflection Point: Mapping the Emerging New Global Order", concluded in Beijing on March 20, bringing together over 60 experts and policy analysts from across the world to discuss the evolving international landscape. Hosted by the Center for International Security and Strategy (CISS) of Tsinghua University, the three-day forum, supported by the China-United States Exchange Foundation (CUSEF), served as a crucial platform for dialogue on major-country relations, regional security challenges and global governance.
CISS Director Da Wei presided over the opening ceremony on March 19, and Guo Yong, vice-chancellor of Tsinghua University Council, delivered welcome remarks. A key consensus among participants was that the world is undergoing a profound transformation toward a more multipolar order, presenting both opportunities and challenges.
Subsequent sessions delved into critical aspects of this transition. Discussions on China-US ties underscored the stabilizing influence of head-of-state diplomacy, despite enduring structural uncertainties in the two countries' relations. While in discussions regarding the Asia-Pacific region, the participants acknowledged that opportunities outweigh risks, although rising uncertainties continue to complicate the region's security dynamics. In the discussions on global governance, participants noted the inadequacy of existing mechanisms as the world transitions to multipolarity, underscoring the need for institutional reform and the joint development of new rules.
The public session on March 20, titled "Vision for a New Order", convened over 20 leading experts and youth representatives for discussions spanning issues such as the role of youth in promoting international understanding, the future of China-US economic and trade relations, and the opportunities and challenges in technological cooperation. CUSEF President James Chau moderated the session, highlighting the increasing significance of youth engagement and the important role of middle powers in shaping the future international order.
Panel discussions further explored these interconnected themes. On China-US relations, speakers observed that despite strategic competition, particularly in high-tech and economic domains, both sides demonstrate a desire to leave room for cautious stabilization and potential improvement. The Asia-Pacific panel stressed the importance of dialogue and cooperation in maintaining regional peace amid evolving geopolitical tensions. And on the global agenda, participants urged a redistribution of responsibilities in a post-hegemonic era, with countries contributing more actively to global governance and development.
A series of special speeches complemented the discussions. Graham Allison of Harvard University reflected on the foundations and challenges of what he termed an "80-year peace". Scholars from Tsinghua University, including Dong Yu and Xu Wei, addressed China's strategic outlook and artificial intelligence governance, while Mohamed Amersi, chairman of the Amersi Foundation, discussed developments in the Middle East.
A concurrent young leaders workshop brought together 16 promising young individuals from leading universities both in China and abroad. Through dialogues with seasoned scholars and roundtable discussions, the workshop focused on youth perspectives on global change, offering fresh insights to the broader forum.
This IFSS continues to serve as a vital platform for exchange between Chinese and international scholars, fostering dialogue, building consensus, and bridging differences in an increasingly complex and dynamic global landscape.































