Geopolitical Transformation: Great Power Rivalry, U.S. Domestic Politics, and Global Risk

The international system is undergoing profound turbulence, with great power competition emerging as the key driver of global developments. The U.S. and China continue to clash over trade, technology, and Taiwan. The U.S. and Russia stand on opposing sides of the conflict in Ukraine. Trump has openly supported Israel in its conflict with Iran, despite objections from other world leaders. Meanwhile, “Trump 2.0” brings a MAGA-based trade agenda centered on tariffs, and Trump views them as the policy tool of choice to reshore manufacturing and gain leverage on foreign policy issues, creating a new source of turbulence in international affairs. Uncertainty and political risk in international relations is extremely high and poised to increase. In this context, the fourth session of the “Global Masters Forum” of Chongyang Institute for Financial Studies at Renmin University of China (RDCY) will feature a keynote speech by renowned U.S. scholar and Chairman of Eurasia Group, Mr. Cliff Kupchan, to visit Renmin University of China and deliver a keynote speech. This marks his third lecture at RDCY, following his previous talks in June 2023 and July 2024. 

Agenda

• Opening Introduction (19:30-19:35)

•  Jin Zhen, Assistant Researcher of RDCY

• Opening Remark (19:35-19:40)

• Wang Wen, Dean of RDCY; Dean of School of Global Leadership, Renmin University of China

• Keynote Speech (19:40-20:20)

• Cliff Kupchan, Chairman of Eurasia Group

• Discussion and Q&A(20:20-21:00)

About the Speaker

Cliff Kupchan is a leading expert in international relations and macroeconomic affairs. He has long provided cutting-edge insights on political risk to the U.S. government and previously served as the top foreign policy adviser on Russia, global foreign assistance, and North Africa for the House International Relations Committee of the US Congress. He currently focuses on the war in Ukraine, US-China relations, and leading trends in international relations. He is fluent in Russian, received a master’s degree from Stanford University, and earned his bachelor’s degree from Brown University. He frequently publishes articles on U.S. foreign policy, trade issues, and current affairs in internationally renowned media outlets and academic journals, and is also a co-author of Eurasia Group's annual Top Risks publication.

The agenda is arranged as follows:

Host: Chongyang Institute for Financial Studies, Renmin University of China (RDCY); School of Global Leadership, Renmin University of China

Time: Saturday, June 28, 2025 at 19:30-21:00

Location: Beijing

Languages: Chinese, English (simultaneous interpretation available)

Speaker: Cliff Kupchan, Chairman of Eurasia Group