On April 27, 2025, the Institute of International and Strategic Studies (IISS), Peking University (PKU) held a seminar titled “The Trump Effect in Great Power Relations and Regional Order Restructuring” at North Pavilion, which also marked the 24th session of the North Pavilion Salon.

The seminar brought together experts and scholars from the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences, Peking University, Tsinghua University, Renmin University of China, Beijing Foreign Studies University, Shanghai International Studies University, and other universities and research institutions for in-depth discussions. Associate Professor Guan Guihai, Executive Vice President of IISS, PKU, attended the meeting and delivered remarks. The seminar was chaired by Professor Yang Cheng, Executive Dean of the Shanghai Academy of Global Governance and Area Studies, Shanghai International Studies University.

The “North Pavilion Salon” aims at promoting deepened dialogue between theoretical and policy research, providing a platform for exchange of ideas among young and middle-aged scholars. At this session, experts focused on the impact of Trump’s governing strategy on great power relations and regional restructuring, engaging in discussions on global transformation, changes in the international order, and geopolitical flashpoints. Topics included China–U.S.–Russia relations, China–U.S.–Europe relations, and the irrational choices of the countries. The experts pointed out that conservative thought is resurging in the West, and the global rightward shift is exerting lasting and far-reaching influence on the transformation of the international system, the restructuring of great power relations, and the reshaping of the international order. In the context of an increasingly multipolar world, the Trump administration’s adjustments to domestic and foreign policy — primarily relying on unilateralism to maintain its hegemonic position — have become a new variable in the international landscape. They argued that in the face of the “Trump shock,” China should maintain strategic composure, observe calmly, respond prudently, and promote the accelerated development of the global governance system toward greater fairness and equity.

Editor: Li Fangqi    Photographer: Zheng Huaizhou