AGI Seminar (on December 4, 2026): “The U.S.-China Competition and Japan’s Dilemma”

We invite researchers engaged in studies on Asia to present at our AGI Seminars. We look forward to your participation!

* This online seminar is free to attend, and the details are as follows:

Date and Time

Friday, December 4, 2026 at 2:00 pm – 4:00 pm (JST)
*A question-and-answer session is scheduled after the presentation.

Presenter

Quansheng Zhao, Professor, School of International Service, American University, USA

Title

The U.S.-China Competition and Japan’s Dilemma

Abstract

The aim of this presentation is to systematically analyze the ongoing US-China competition and Japan’s dilemma. It focuses on the dynamics of the relationship (such as competition, cooperation, and conflict) between the three powers, examining each country’s strategic considerations. This lecture first looks at theoretical framework of international relations, depicting power transition scenarios between the rising power (China) and the dominant power (the United States), and then discusses the complicated relations among the three powers, focusing on the choice and dilemma that Japan faces, so that we can get a comprehensive understanding of the US-China competition and the role of Japan.

Language

English presentation and material(s)

Presenter Biography

Prof. Quansheng Zhao is Professor of International Relations at American University’s School of International Service and Chair of AU’s Asian Studies Research Council. He received his Ph.D. in politics from UC Berkeley. He has served as a Research Associate at the Fairbank Center for East Asian Research of Harvard University, and Division Director of Comparative and Regional Studies at American University. He also serves as an academic advisor for Peking University, Tsinghua University and Yamanashi Gakuin University, and a Visiting Professor at Taiwan University, Nanjing University, Renmin University of China and Sun Yat-sen University. He is also a coordinator for the Global Forum of Chinese Political Scientists and a member of the National Committee on U.S.-China Relations (USA). He is an author of multiple award-winning books including his most recent work, Great Power Strategies: The United States, China, and Japan (2023).