Paris: The New Switzerland
Wharton alumni and leaders shared insights at the Asia Society France Summer Summit in Paris.
In Liu Cixin’s Three-Body Problem, survival hinges on managing three competing forces simultaneously. Today, these forces in geopolitics are the United States, China, and the European Union. While Europe may not match Washington or Beijing in hard power, Paris has emerged as neutral ground—a forum where rivals can test ideas away from intense political pressure.
The Asia Society Summer Summit in Paris clearly illustrated this idea. Duncan Clark, founding trustee and co-chair of Asia Society France, said:
“We designed Paris as a place to transcend binaries — beyond ‘hawk’ or ‘dove,’ beyond capital-to-capital talking points. China’s decisions now shape supply chains, tech standards, and climate outcomes worldwide. You need a room where that complexity can be explored with rigor — and without theatrics.”
Paris serves as a unique platform to explore the intricate dynamics of global power without the usual political posturing.
Summary
Paris has become a neutral forum where the complex interplay of US, China, and EU interests can be thoughtfully examined beyond traditional political divides.