Paris: The New Switzerland
Wharton alumni and leaders shared insights at the Asia Society France Summer Summit, held in Paris. The event highlighted the evolving geopolitical landscape in which the United States, China, and the European Union exert significant influence.
“We designed Paris as a place to transcend binaries — beyond ‘hawk’ or ‘dove,’ beyond capital-to-capital talking points. China’s decisions now shape supply chains, tech standards, and climate outcomes worldwide. You need a room where that complexity can be explored with rigor — and without theatrics.”
Drawing a parallel with Liu Cixin’s Three-Body Problem, where survival depends on balancing three forces simultaneously, today’s diplomacy requires navigating the competing interests of these global powers. While Europe cannot compete with the hard power of Washington or Beijing, Paris has become neutral ground where rivals can test ideas away from intense political pressure.
This summer’s summit exemplified Paris as a platform for exploring complex global issues thoughtfully, emphasizing cooperation and understanding rather than confrontation.
Author's summary: Paris serves as a neutral diplomatic hub where global powers engage in nuanced dialogue, reflecting a new role beyond traditional power struggles.