The US and China: Competition, Coexistence, or Collision?

PAST EVENT VIDEO

John Mearsheimer, Rana Mitter, and Leslie Vinjamuri discuss great power competition, strategic rivalry, and the evolving US-China relationship.

Leslie Vinjamuri, Rana Mitter, John Mearsheimer on the Council stage

Ana Miyares Photography

Speakers

John Mearsheimer
Rana Mitter
Leslie Vinjamuri

Event Date

November 17, 2025

About This Event

China's rise has reshaped the global balance of power, driving competition over technology, trade, and territorial influence. Is the United States already locked into a new Cold War with China, or can Washington and Beijing find a sustainable equilibrium? Can America compete effectively while preserving the alliances and economic openness that underpin its power? And as China's economy matures and its global ambitions expand, how will Beijing act on the world stage in the years ahead? Join us for a conversation with John Mearsheimer and Rana Mitter, moderated by Leslie Vinjamuri, as they explore how US-China competition is reshaping the global order.

About the Speakers

John Mearsheimer

R. Wendell Harrison Distinguished Service Professor of Political Science, University of Chicago

John J. Mearsheimer is the R. Wendell Harrison Distinguished Service Professor of Political Science at the University of Chicago. He has written extensively about security issues and international politics and has published six books, including "The Tragedy of Great Power Politics" (2001, 2014) and "The Great Delusion: Liberal Dreams and International Realities" (2018).

Rana Mitter

S.T. Lee Professor of US-Asia Relations, Harvard Kennedy School

Rana Mitter is ST Lee Chair in US-Asia Relations at Harvard Kennedy School. He is the author of "China's Good War: How World War II is Shaping a New Nationalism" (2020) and "Forgotten Ally: China's World War II" (2013), and he regularly comments on China in media and at international forums.

Leslie Vinjamuri

President & Chief Executive Officer, Chicago Council on Global Affairs

Dr. Leslie Vinjamuri joined the Council in 2025 as the president and chief executive officer, after previously serving as director of the US and the Americas program at the Royal Institute of International Affairs, known as Chatham House, in London. She brings nearly 30 years of experience working at the intersection of international affairs, research, policy, and public engagement.

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Issues Global Politics

Regions China

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