In this lecture eminent China scholar David Shambaugh will discuss his new book Where Great Powers Meet. Currently, the United States and China are engaged in a broad-gauged and global competition for power and influence. While this competition ranges across the entire world, it is centered in Asia — most notably in the critical sub-region of Southeast Asia. The United States and China constantly vie daily for position and influence across this enormously significant area — and the outcome of this contest will do much to determine whether Asia leaves the American orbit after seven decades and falls into a new Chinese sphere of influence. Just as importantly, to the extent that there is a global 'power transition' occurring from the U.S. to China, the fate of Southeast Asia will be a good indicator of how it may play out. Both powers bring important strengths and weaknesses to bear in their competition.
