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Episode Title:🇨🇳The Thucydides Trap🇨🇳

An insightful and timely episode for the #HTBRICSSeries on Heads Talk exploring the realities and the risks of The Thucydides Trap: the historical pattern where a rising power threatens to displace an established one, often resulting in conflict.

Dr Henry Huiyao Wang, Founder and President of the Centre for China and Globalisation (CCG), is a leading academic in the fields of geopolitics, global governance, and international trade. His previous roles include serving as a Counsellor to China’s State Council, Vice Chairman of the China Association for International Economic Cooperation, and Director at the Chinese People’s Institute of Foreign Affairs.

In this episode, Dr Wang brings a measured and strategic perspective on how the United States and China might avoid escalation and manage their complex relationship through diplomacy rather than confrontation.

He provides a sharp, nuanced analysis of global diplomacy in an increasingly multipolar world, looking into China's unique approach to international engagement, the rationale behind the expansion of BRICS+, and why reforming global governance is now a critical imperative.

Together, we move past familiar headlines to explore the underlying logic of China's development strategy, foreign policy goals, and use of soft power. Dr Wang also shares his perspective on democracy’s evolution, arguing for a broader, more adaptive understanding in light of technological progress and diverse governance models.

We touch on key themes such as globalisation, securitisation, and China's partnerships across the Global South. All framed through the lens of strategic cooperation rather than ideological rivalry. This episode is a rare glimpse into China's thinking, offering a #FlyOnTheBoardroomWall view of its diplomatic philosophy and long-term global outlook.

Topics Covered
◽️ BRICS+ expansion as a tool of multilateral rebalancing
◽️ ASEAN economic integration and China's strategic participation
◽️ Soft power as a geopolitical lever in great power dynamics
◽️ Visa Liberalisation as a Diplomatic Signal and Economic Driver
◽️ Evolving calculus of China US strategic rivalry
◽️ China's deepening ties with the Global South
◽️ Transition from Export-led Growth to Tech-driven Development
◽️ Infrastructure diplomacy through Belt and Road and beyond
◽️ Africa: Focal point for China’s soft power deployment
◽️ Reframing foreign aid without political conditions
◽️ Future of democracy in a post-Westphalian context
◽️ China's vision for a more inclusive and multipolar global order

ABOUT THE HOST
Collaboration w/t
◽️CGTN - China Global Television Network Publications by Dr Wang 1. Springer  2. .Routledge #AF

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