ThinkTankWeekly

London conference 2026

Chatham House | 2026-04-27 | diplomacy

Topics: China, Europe, Middle East, Trade, Diplomacy

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English Summary

The global order is undergoing rapid transformation, driven by the shifting strategies of the US and China, which creates significant uncertainty regarding established international norms and institutions. This instability presents a critical opportunity for non-aligned nations, particularly the Global South, to actively shape the rules of the emerging world order. Policymakers must navigate the tension between preserving existing structures (like the WTO and UN) and establishing new governance frameworks for challenges such as climate change and AI. Strategic focus must therefore shift toward multilateral diplomacy that empowers diverse regional actors to mediate between great power competition and ensure global stability.

中文摘要

全球秩序正經歷快速轉型,其驅動因素來自美中兩國不斷變化的策略,這使得既有的國際規範和制度面臨巨大的不確定性。這種不穩定性為不結盟國家,特別是全球南方國家,提供了一個關鍵的機會,使其能積極參與塑造新興世界秩序的規則。政策制定者必須在維護現有結構(如世界貿易組織和聯合國)與為氣候變遷和人工智慧等挑戰建立新的治理框架之間,尋求平衡。因此,戰略重點必須轉向多邊外交,賦予多元的區域行為者權力,使其能在大國競爭與確保全球穩定之間進行調解。

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