CPG events series on peace and security in Asia

“The US-China Rivalry and the Future of Multilateralism and Global Trade: Developments, Challenges and Prospects”

29 November 2023, 3:00-4:45 pm

Faculty of Law, Thammasat University (Tha Prachan Campus)

Special lecture

by

Professor Dr. Frank Altemöller

Institute of Customs and International Trade Law, University of Münster

presented by the

Peace & Security Center,

German-Southeast Asian Center of Excellence for Public Policy and Good Governance (CPG)

Concept Note

The rivalry between the United States and China has emerged as the defining paradigm of 21st-century international relations. This rivalry has a profound influence on strategic discourse and far-reaching effects on global political, economic, and military dynamics. As this contest unfolds, its repercussions extend well beyond the borders of these two superpowers, affecting countries and regions across the globe. One of the most significant battlegrounds for the Sino-US great power competition is the global trade system.

Multilateralism and participation in the global trading system continue to offer significant opportunities in the future. Although binding under international law, the multilateral system, however, is facing ever greater obstacles from a power-oriented perspective, ranging from blatant violations of the law to consistent rejection of its functioning on key issues by major trading partners.

Against his backdrop, the special lecture will address the question of why, unlike in the past, there is no unconditional consensus on the maintenance of the multilateral order or even on its further development in the face the rising dominance-driven ambitions and power struggle among the two global players. Actors are challenged to adapt and position themselves within this dynamic process.

The talk will also show that there is less and less interest in continuing the long-lasting phase of steadily progressing trade liberalization of the past decades. This requires a process of transformation in which it will be important to find trade policy solutions that extend beyond traditional multilateralism.

Further, against the backdrop of a growing China, the U.S. is impressively questioning the current world trade order, which it has initiated and steadily expanded. But what will take the place of the previous one? Will it be an unclear and confusing multipolarity, or can the US succeed in creating the contours of a new order that is grounded in a hegemonic divergence from China and cooperation with its allies? These questions will also be discussed in the lecture.

The lecture will contribute to a deeper understanding of the evolving dynamics of international trade and diplomacy. It will offer stakeholders entry points to explore alternative strategies and approaches beyond traditional multilateralism.

Part of the monthly held events series on peace and security in Asia hosted by the Peace & Security Center of the German-Southeast Asian Center of Excellence for Public Policy and Good Governance (CPG), the event addresses policymakers, diplomats, international relations and international trade experts, academics specializing in global affairs, and businesspeople with a vested interest in international trade and the evolving dynamics of the global trading system.

Agenda

(The event will be held in English.)

Speaker

Participation

Event registration is essential for participation; individuals interested are encouraged to do so by visiting the link or QR code provided below. More information, please email us at events@cpg-online.de

⇒ Registration ⇐