On the afternoon of March 9, 2026, the Kim Koo Forum Series Lecture of the School of International Studies, Peking University, themed “From World War I: Great Power Competition and the Evolution of the International System,” was held at the School of International Studies, Peking University. This lecture was co-hosted by Peking University’s Institute for Global Cooperation and Understanding and the American Studies Center.
Odd Arne Westad, Distinguished Elihu Professor of History and Global Affairs at Yale University, Senior Fellow at the Paul Tsai China Center, Yale Law School, and renowned scholar of Cold War history, delivered the keynote speech. Drawing on the history of World War I, Professor Westad analyzed the return of great power rivalry and the evolution of the international order. He also shared historical lessons for the current geopolitical landscape based on his latest book, The Coming Storm: Power, Conflict, and Warnings from History.
Experts and scholars attending the event had in-depth exchanges on several topics, including great power relations, historical lessons, and the international order. Students also actively participated in interactive discussions.
Rooted in the profound changes unseen in a century, this event leveraged history as a mirror for the present. It provided important academic insights for understanding the global order, reducing conflict risks, and advancing the stable development of the international rule-based order.
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