On the afternoon of 27 April 2024, S. Mahmud Ali, Associate Researcher of the Institute of Chinese Studies, University of Malaysia, was invited to give a lecture entitled “A Systematic Appraisal: The USA’s ‘Great-Power Competition’ Paradigm” at the Shengda Building, Xianlin Campus, Nanjing University. The lecture was hosted by Zhou Wenxing, Assistant Researcher of the School of International Studies, and was attended by “South China Sea Program” Doctoral Students, as well as faculty members and students of School of International Studies.
From the unique perspective of a third-party observer, Dr Ali provided an in-depth analysis of “‘Great-Power Competition’ Paradigm” advocated by the United States, using a systemic evaluation approach. He emphasized that the system is the conceptual framework through which researchers analyze great power interactions and changes in the international order. It consists of three concentric circles, the central one of which is dominated by the superpowers. To illustrate this point more vividly, he cited a large number of cases based on historical archives to explain in detail the system composition, superpowers and power distribution, as well as the interaction between China and the United States. At the end of the lecture, Dr Ali expressed his high appreciation for China’s brilliant achievements over the past 40 years, which have caught the world’s attention.
In the interactive session, students actively asked questions. Dr Ali gave detailed and wonderful answers, and the teachers and students gained a lot. The lecture was successfully concluded with warm applause from the students and teachers.
Dr Ali is a veteran journalist and an eminent scholar in the field of geopolitics and strategic studies. He has published several books, including Eight-volume series on the evolution of Sino-American strategic insecurity dynamics, and three monographs on Regional/national security in South Asia. He has been invited to make presentations at the London School of Economics and Political Science, Nanyang Technological University, the Xiangshan Forum, and the University of Nottingham on the evolution of US-China relations and their security implications. (Text/Chang Na; Translate/Bao Yiwen)