Burning (Atlantic) Bridges? U.S. Grand Strategy and the Rise of China in Europe

About

Speaker: Thomas Cavanna, Visiting Assistant Professor, Center for Strategic Studies, Fletcher School of Law & Diplomacy, Tufts University

Is the United States losing Europe to China? What could that mean from a grand strategic perspective? Those questions may appear far-fetched given the huge influence that America has exerted over Europe since 1945, the benefits that it has provided to its allies, and the latter's recent push back against Beijing and its Belt and Road Initiative (BRI). Yet the China challenge is real and emerges in a time of major uncertainty over Washington's intentions and capabilities.

Reckoning with those dynamics, the speaker makes three arguments. First, despite local concerns and vigorous U.S. pressures, BRI, and other Chinese policies are laying the foundations of deeper Sino-European ties. Second, beyond its economic appeal, Beijing provides an alternative that helps the Europeans resist the most coercive aspects of U.S. hegemony. Third, although unlikely to match America's clout, the rise of China in Europe constrains Washington's strategic options in the region, across Eurasia, and within the international system.

Please join us! Coffee and tea provided. Everyone is welcome, but admittance will be on a first come–first served basis.

Contact

For more information, email the International Security Program Assistant at susan_lynch@harvard.edu.