On the morning of November 13, 2024, the Institute of International and Strategic Studies (IISS), Peking University (PKU), hosted the 80th North Pavilion Seminar series lectures. Lionel Barber, British Author, broadcaster and former editor of The Financial Times, delivered a lecture titled “Navigating the New World Disorder - Old Lessons for New Times” and engaged in discussions with faculty and students attending the lecture. The lecture was moderated by Prof. Wang Jisi, Founding President of IISS, PKU.

Mr. Barber began by outlining the multiple conflicts the world is currently facing, including those in Ukraine and Gaza, and territorial disputes in the South China Sea. He pointed out that the world is undergoing a period of turbulence and instability, with frequent regional conflicts and an ever-present risk of nuclear war, making international relations increasingly precarious.

Barber criticized Western commentators for describing U.S.-China relations as a "new Cold War," arguing that there is a fundamental difference between Sino-U.S. relations and the U.S.-Soviet confrontation during the Cold War. He emphasized that competition between China and the United States is more complex, involving multiple dimensions such as economics, technology, and geopolitics.

Mr. Barber then highlighted that the return of Donald Trump could significantly influence U.S. foreign policy, particularly regarding the Middle East and Ukraine. Such developments would increase uncertainties in America’s engagement in international affairs. Concluding his lecture, Mr. Barber underscored the importance of drawing lessons from history. He noted that in addressing today’s global challenges, cooperation between nations is far more critical than competition. He called on countries to seek collaborative opportunities in a disordered new world to tackle shared challenges effectively.

During the Q&A session, Barber engaged with faculty and students on a range of topics, including global landscapes, differing stances of China and the West on the Gaza and Ukraine conflicts, China’s economic stimulus initiatives, Europe’s role, and China-Europe relations.(Contributed by Lu Chang)

Editor: Li Fangqi | Photographer: Zheng Peijie