2025 U.S.–China Rhodes Scholar Dialogue

Event Overview

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

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

Peter Hessler Society & Culture

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

Guest: Peter Hessler (何伟) American journalist and writer of narrative nonfiction; Author of the "China Trilogy" (River Town (2001), Oracle Bones (2006), Country Driving (2010)), and Other Rivers(2024)
Discussants: Zhixin Wan & Ryan Yan
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Michael Szonyi Society & History

Complexity Beyond Tension: Challenges and Opportunities in China Studies

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

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

Guest: Dominic Barton (鲍达民) Former Global Managing Partner of McKinsey & Company and former Canada’s Ambassador to China
Discussants: Brian Wong & Charlie Wang
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Jake Sullivan 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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