2025 U.S.–China Rhodes Scholar Dialogue

Event Overview

This dialogue was initiated and hosted by Duo Yi and Charlie Wang, both Rhodes Scholars from China. Bringing together globally renowned scholars, policy practitioners, business leaders, and cultural observers—most of whom are Rhodes Scholars or alumni—the event aims to facilitate a multi-dimensional exploration of evolving United States–China relations. Structured around three interdisciplinary panels — Geopolitics, Economics & Technology, and Society & Culture - this dialogue offers a platform for rigorous, respectful, and forward-looking conversations.

The event has concluded. Select a panel below to read the summary and key takeaways.

Society & Culture

Bridging Lives and Lessons: Education, Everyday Experience, and Understanding Between China and the U.S.

Guest: Peter Hessler. Acclaimed author offering a ground-level perspective on how ordinary lives illuminate broader social change.
Discussants: Zhixin Wan & Ryan Yan
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Society & Culture

Complexity Beyond Tension: Challenges and Opportunities in China Studies

Guest: Michael A. Szonyi Frank Wen-Hsiung Wu Professor of Chinese History and former Director of Fairbank Center at Harvard University
Discussant: Xiaorui Zhou
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Business & Economics

Leading Through Complexity: Insights from McKinsey to the Embassy in Beijing

Guest: Dominic Barton Former Global Managing Partner of McKinsey & Company and former Canada’s Ambassador to China
Discussants: Brian Wong & Charlie Wang
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Geopolitics

Strategic Competition or Managed Coexistence: The Future of U.S.–China Relations under Trump 2.0

Guest: Jake Sullivan Former National Security Advisor to President Biden and the Kissinger Professor of the Practice of Statecraft and World Order at Harvard Kennedy School of Government
Discussants: Duo Yi & Charlie Wang
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