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BRI DialoguesBRI Dialogues

The al-Sabah Programme is delighted to announce the launch of a new project, BRI Dialogues, in partnership with 3Sixty Strategic Advisors, for a deep dive into the changing nature of the international system, analysis of the growing global role of East Asia, and a fuller understanding of the role of China and the Belt & Road Initiative (BRI).

The BRI Dialogues provide support and insights for senior executives and decision makers in both private and public sectors, on China and its BRI programme of activities. Our overriding aim is to establish a clearer appreciation of how to ‘COPE’ in China.

COPE - how to deal with Complexities; capitalise on Opportunities; understand her return to Power, and brace for the impact of Externalities of China.

BRI Dialogues are conversations focused on substance and on issues that matter:

Research - Supported by the al-Sabah Programme in the School of Government & International Affairs, Durham University.

Thought Leadership - A series of conversations with key decision shapers deciphering complexities, risk and horizon scanning for opportunities.

Advisory and Consulting Services - To frame hybrid business development strategies and where to place emphasis along the vast BRI. Curate and lead executive strategy sessions, day-long brainstorming, and breakout meetings.

Quick links

1) Stephen Chan OBE 2) Shaun Breslin 3) Niv Horesh

4) James Chau

5) Zha Daojiong 6) Louis-Vincent Gave

7) Sara Hsu

 8) Anzetse Wer  9) Tom Miller

10) Maria Adele Carrai

11) Jonathan Fulton 12) Afshin Molavi

13) Andrew Critchlow

14) John Calabrese 15) Mohammed Al-Sudairi

16) Cobus van Staden

17) Andrea Ghiselli 18) Hannah Ryder & Ovigwe Eguegu

19) Min Ye

20) Jinghan Zeng 21) Yu Tao

22) Ronnue C. Chan

23) Maria Reprikova 24) Chengxin Pan

25) George Magnus

26) Jorg Wuttke 27) Diana Choyleva

28) Charlie Parton

29) Robert Mogielnicki  30) Andy Critchlow

31) Gangzheng She

32) Simeon Kerr 33) Stefan Wolff

34) Anoush Ehteshami & Ali Borhani 

   

 

BRI Dialogues

  • 1. Stephen Chan OBE

    Professor Stephen Chan OBE discusses the potential implications of China’s backchannel diplomacy with the Taliban and the ramifications of Beijing’s cessation of foreign coal-related investment.

    Man in outside setting
  • 2. Shaun Breslin

    Professor Shaun Breslin explores several key issues about the BRI and China’s rise, from questioning whether the initiative has entered into a new phase of its existence in the post-pandemic era, to scrutinising possible scope for Chinese engagement in Taliban-governed Afghanistan.

    Man in outside setting

1. Stephen Chan OBE

Professor Stephen Chan OBE discusses the potential implications of China’s backchannel diplomacy with the Taliban and the ramifications of Beijing’s cessation of foreign coal-related investment.

Man in outside setting

2. Shaun Breslin

Professor Shaun Breslin explores several key issues about the BRI and China’s rise, from questioning whether the initiative has entered into a new phase of its existence in the post-pandemic era, to scrutinising possible scope for Chinese engagement in Taliban-governed Afghanistan.

Man in outside setting
  • 3. Niv Horesh

    Associate Professor Niv Horesh is a China specialist with over 20 years of experience ranging across the private sector, public sector, and academia. He lived and worked in China for several years and has held various teaching and research positions. 

    Associate Professor Niv Horesh
  • 4. James Chau

    James Chau is a journalist, television presenter, and a United Nations goodwill ambassador. He discusses the issues of tolerance and co-existence in modern politics, the absence of modern visionaries in global affairs and equality of education in China. 

    D4 James Chau

3. Niv Horesh

Associate Professor Niv Horesh is a China specialist with over 20 years of experience ranging across the private sector, public sector, and academia. He lived and worked in China for several years and has held various teaching and research positions. 

Associate Professor Niv Horesh

4. James Chau

James Chau is a journalist, television presenter, and a United Nations goodwill ambassador. He discusses the issues of tolerance and co-existence in modern politics, the absence of modern visionaries in global affairs and equality of education in China. 

D4 James Chau
  • 5. Zha Daojiong

    Dr. Zha Daojiong is a Professor of International Political Economy at the School of International Studies at Peking University and actively consults Chinese government agencies including subsidiaries of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

    D5 Dr. Zha Daojiong
  • 6. Louis-Vincent Gave

    Investor, business leader and author, Louis-Vincent Gave discusses China’s need to raise capital domestically, rather than focusing on the US; issues faced by the EU in its engagement with China; and questions surrounding Chinese debt accumulation emerging from the BRI.

    D6 Louis Gave

5. Zha Daojiong

Dr. Zha Daojiong is a Professor of International Political Economy at the School of International Studies at Peking University and actively consults Chinese government agencies including subsidiaries of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

D5 Dr. Zha Daojiong

6. Louis-Vincent Gave

Investor, business leader and author, Louis-Vincent Gave discusses China’s need to raise capital domestically, rather than focusing on the US; issues faced by the EU in its engagement with China; and questions surrounding Chinese debt accumulation emerging from the BRI.

D6 Louis Gave
  • 7. Sara Hsu

    Associate Professor Sara Hsu’s expertise covers everything from China’s economy to supply chain management. She holds a PhD in economics from the University of Utah, has produced over 30 publications and has shared expertise on international broadcasting platforms. 

    D7 Sara Hsu
  • 8. Anzetse Wer

    Anzetse Were is a development economist with over a decade of experience working in Africa on economic research, analysis, and strategy development. She holds a master’s in economics from the University of Sydney and a bachelor’s degree from Brown University.

    D8 Anzetse Were

7. Sara Hsu

Associate Professor Sara Hsu’s expertise covers everything from China’s economy to supply chain management. She holds a PhD in economics from the University of Utah, has produced over 30 publications and has shared expertise on international broadcasting platforms. 

D7 Sara Hsu

8. Anzetse Wer

Anzetse Were is a development economist with over a decade of experience working in Africa on economic research, analysis, and strategy development. She holds a master’s in economics from the University of Sydney and a bachelor’s degree from Brown University.

D8 Anzetse Were
  • 9. Tom Miller

    Tom Miller is a senior Asia analyst at Gavekal. He shares his insights on: Beijing’s relationship with Pakistan and its implications for the West; and Russia’s role in wider China-West political competition.

    Man with glass and beard
  • 10. Maria Adele Carrai

    Dr. Maria Adele Carrai is an Assistant Professor of Global China Studies at NYU Shanghai. Maria addresses several crucial topics, including: the relationship between private enterprises and the BRI; and a comparison between the BRI and the B3W.

    Lady with long brown hair smiling.

9. Tom Miller

Tom Miller is a senior Asia analyst at Gavekal. He shares his insights on: Beijing’s relationship with Pakistan and its implications for the West; and Russia’s role in wider China-West political competition.

Man with glass and beard

10. Maria Adele Carrai

Dr. Maria Adele Carrai is an Assistant Professor of Global China Studies at NYU Shanghai. Maria addresses several crucial topics, including: the relationship between private enterprises and the BRI; and a comparison between the BRI and the B3W.

Lady with long brown hair smiling.
  • 11. Jonathan Fulton

    Assistant Professor Jonathan Fulton has carved a career for himself as one of the foremost experts on China-MENA studies. He imparts his expertise on numerous crucial topics including Chinese interests in West Asia and the feasibility of the Sino-Iranian 25-year partnership.

    A headshot of Jonathan Fulton with a red background
  • 12. Afshin Molavi

    Afshin Molavi is an author and expert on global geo-political risk and geo-economics, specialising in Asia and the Middle East. He shares compelling insights on a variety of crucial topics including China’s impressions of the Ukraine crisis.

    A headshot of Afshin Molavi with a blurred background

11. Jonathan Fulton

Assistant Professor Jonathan Fulton has carved a career for himself as one of the foremost experts on China-MENA studies. He imparts his expertise on numerous crucial topics including Chinese interests in West Asia and the feasibility of the Sino-Iranian 25-year partnership.

A headshot of Jonathan Fulton with a red background

12. Afshin Molavi

Afshin Molavi is an author and expert on global geo-political risk and geo-economics, specialising in Asia and the Middle East. He shares compelling insights on a variety of crucial topics including China’s impressions of the Ukraine crisis.

A headshot of Afshin Molavi with a blurred background
  • 13. Andrew Critchlow

    Durham alumnus, Andrew Critchlow is the regional Head of News in EMEA for S&P Global Platts. He addresses several crucial issues including the current challenges associated with sharp increases in the prices of oil and gas.

    A man smiling with a white background
  • 14. John Calabrese

    China-MENA studies titan, Dr. John Calabrese teaches US foreign policy at an American University in Washington, DC. He shares his thoughts on several crucial topics, including: the positionality of MENA countries amid great power competition and the JCPoA.

    A man smiling with a white background

13. Andrew Critchlow

Durham alumnus, Andrew Critchlow is the regional Head of News in EMEA for S&P Global Platts. He addresses several crucial issues including the current challenges associated with sharp increases in the prices of oil and gas.

A man smiling with a white background

14. John Calabrese

China-MENA studies titan, Dr. John Calabrese teaches US foreign policy at an American University in Washington, DC. He shares his thoughts on several crucial topics, including: the positionality of MENA countries amid great power competition and the JCPoA.

A man smiling with a white background
  • 15. Mohammed Turki Al-Sudairi

    Dr. Mohammed Turki Al-Sudairi is one of the Middle East’s most prolific China-MENA experts. He shares his wisdom on several vital matters including the orientation of the Gulf Cooperation Council states amid great power competition.

    A headshot of Mohammed Al Sudairi smiling wearing a headscarf
  • 16. Cobus van Staden

    Dr. Cobus van Staden is a senior researcher on China-Africa relations at the South African Institute of International Affairs. He shares his wise insights on several topics of great relevance including the question of China’s brand management in Africa.

    A headshot of Cobus van Staden smiling in black and white

15. Mohammed Turki Al-Sudairi

Dr. Mohammed Turki Al-Sudairi is one of the Middle East’s most prolific China-MENA experts. He shares his wisdom on several vital matters including the orientation of the Gulf Cooperation Council states amid great power competition.

A headshot of Mohammed Al Sudairi smiling wearing a headscarf

16. Cobus van Staden

Dr. Cobus van Staden is a senior researcher on China-Africa relations at the South African Institute of International Affairs. He shares his wise insights on several topics of great relevance including the question of China’s brand management in Africa.

A headshot of Cobus van Staden smiling in black and white
  • 17. Andrea Ghiselli

    Dr Andrea Ghiselli is an Assistant Professor at the School of International Relations and Public Affairs of Fudan University. He shares his wise insights on several topics including China's diplomatic method of protecting Chinese citizens and investments in the Middle East.

    A headshot of Andrea Ghiselli with a plain background
  • 18. Hannah Ryder & Ovigwe Eguegu

    CEO, Hannah Ryder and Policy Analyst, Ovigwe Eguegu at Development Reimagined, share their wise insights on several issues related to development challenges in Africa, including transferring the development experience of others in African states.

    Headshots of Hannah Ryder & Ovigwe Eguegu

17. Andrea Ghiselli

Dr Andrea Ghiselli is an Assistant Professor at the School of International Relations and Public Affairs of Fudan University. He shares his wise insights on several topics including China's diplomatic method of protecting Chinese citizens and investments in the Middle East.

A headshot of Andrea Ghiselli with a plain background

18. Hannah Ryder & Ovigwe Eguegu

CEO, Hannah Ryder and Policy Analyst, Ovigwe Eguegu at Development Reimagined, share their wise insights on several issues related to development challenges in Africa, including transferring the development experience of others in African states.

Headshots of Hannah Ryder & Ovigwe Eguegu
  • 19. Min Ye

    Professor Min Ye of Boston University offers her wisdom on the genesis, the metamorphosis and what China’s Belt Road Initiative will be evolving into on its 10th anniversary in 2023. 

    Professor Min Ye Head Shot
  • 20. Jinghan Zeng

    Professor Jinghan Zeng of Lancaster University shares his wise insights on the 20th CCP Congress, its importance in Chinese domestic terms and its significance in a broader geographical context.

    Professor Jinghan Zeng Head Shot

19. Min Ye

Professor Min Ye of Boston University offers her wisdom on the genesis, the metamorphosis and what China’s Belt Road Initiative will be evolving into on its 10th anniversary in 2023. 

Professor Min Ye Head Shot

20. Jinghan Zeng

Professor Jinghan Zeng of Lancaster University shares his wise insights on the 20th CCP Congress, its importance in Chinese domestic terms and its significance in a broader geographical context.

Professor Jinghan Zeng Head Shot
  • 21. Yu Tao

    Dr Yu Tao of the University of Western Australia dissects the 20th Party Congress in Beijing, and the ramifications of a potential decoupling between China and United States.

    Dr Yu Tao Pictire
  • 22. Ronnie C. Chan

    Mr. Ronnie C. Chan is the Chair of Hang Lung Group Limited & its subsidiary Hang Lung Properties Limited. Here, he offers his wisdom on the challenges being faced by a rising civilizational power.

    Mr Ronnie C.Chan picture

21. Yu Tao

Dr Yu Tao of the University of Western Australia dissects the 20th Party Congress in Beijing, and the ramifications of a potential decoupling between China and United States.

Dr Yu Tao Pictire

22. Ronnie C. Chan

Mr. Ronnie C. Chan is the Chair of Hang Lung Group Limited & its subsidiary Hang Lung Properties Limited. Here, he offers his wisdom on the challenges being faced by a rising civilizational power.

Mr Ronnie C.Chan picture
  • 23. Maria Reprikova

    Dr. Maria Repnikova of Georgia State University shares her insight on the evolution of soft power at large, and how China is creating and developing its own narrative in today’s global competition for reputation management with the United States.

    Dr Maria Reprikova Headshot
  • 24. Chengxin Pan

    Dr Chengxin Pan of the University of Macau shares his wisdom on the complicated, intertwined and in many ways the interdependent relationships between Australia and China. 

    Professor Chengxin Pan Headshot

23. Maria Reprikova

Dr. Maria Repnikova of Georgia State University shares her insight on the evolution of soft power at large, and how China is creating and developing its own narrative in today’s global competition for reputation management with the United States.

Dr Maria Reprikova Headshot

24. Chengxin Pan

Dr Chengxin Pan of the University of Macau shares his wisdom on the complicated, intertwined and in many ways the interdependent relationships between Australia and China. 

Professor Chengxin Pan Headshot
  • 25. George Magnus

    George Magnus is an independent economist and commentator, and Research Associate at the China Centre, Oxford University and the at the School of Oriental and African Studies, London. Here he shares his insight regarding the growing NIP posturing of EU and US. 

  • 26. Jörg Wuttke

    Jörg Wuttke, the President of the European Union Chamber of Commerce in China, shares his insight on the inefficiencies in EU’s industrial, economic, geopolitical and strategic posturing towards China and its geo-economic conundrums. 

    Jorg Wuttke picture

25. George Magnus

George Magnus is an independent economist and commentator, and Research Associate at the China Centre, Oxford University and the at the School of Oriental and African Studies, London. Here he shares his insight regarding the growing NIP posturing of EU and US. 

26. Jörg Wuttke

Jörg Wuttke, the President of the European Union Chamber of Commerce in China, shares his insight on the inefficiencies in EU’s industrial, economic, geopolitical and strategic posturing towards China and its geo-economic conundrums. 

Jorg Wuttke picture
  • 27. Diana Choyleva

    Diana is Chief Economist at Enodo Economics @EnodoEconomics, an independent macroeconomic and political forecasting company she set up in 2016 to untangle complexity, challenge the consensus, and make sense of the future.

    profile picture
  • 28. Charlie Parton

    Charlie Parton a leading expert on policy formulation and a key observer of diplomatic developments and relations with China. He has been a Specialist Adviser on China to the UK Parliament’s House of Commons Foreign Affairs Committee.

    Charlie Parton

27. Diana Choyleva

Diana is Chief Economist at Enodo Economics @EnodoEconomics, an independent macroeconomic and political forecasting company she set up in 2016 to untangle complexity, challenge the consensus, and make sense of the future.

profile picture

28. Charlie Parton

Charlie Parton a leading expert on policy formulation and a key observer of diplomatic developments and relations with China. He has been a Specialist Adviser on China to the UK Parliament’s House of Commons Foreign Affairs Committee.

Charlie Parton
  • 29. Robert Mogielnicki

    Dr. Robert Mogielnicki a Senior Resident Scholar at the Arab Gulf States Institute in Washington (AGSIW) @GulfStatesInst as well as an Adjunct Assistant Professor at Georgetown University @Georgetown and a Professorial Lecturer at the George Washington University @GWtweets.

    Robert Mogielnicki
  • 30. Andy Critchlow

    Andrew Critchlow @baldersdale, the regional Head of News in EMEA for S&P Global Platts @SPGCI. Andrew has over 21 years of experience managing news teams and writing about energy, commodities, and international business. 

    Andy Critchlow

29. Robert Mogielnicki

Dr. Robert Mogielnicki a Senior Resident Scholar at the Arab Gulf States Institute in Washington (AGSIW) @GulfStatesInst as well as an Adjunct Assistant Professor at Georgetown University @Georgetown and a Professorial Lecturer at the George Washington University @GWtweets.

Robert Mogielnicki

30. Andy Critchlow

Andrew Critchlow @baldersdale, the regional Head of News in EMEA for S&P Global Platts @SPGCI. Andrew has over 21 years of experience managing news teams and writing about energy, commodities, and international business. 

Andy Critchlow
  • 31. Gangzheng She

    Dr. Gangzheng She is an Associate Professor in the Department of International Relations at Tsinghua University in Beijing @Tsinghua_Uni. 

     

    Gangzheng She
  • 32. Simeon Kerr

    Simeon has been the Financial Times correspondent in West Asia since 2007, covering politics, business and finance across the Gulf Cooperation Council countries.

    Simeon Kerr

31. Gangzheng She

Dr. Gangzheng She is an Associate Professor in the Department of International Relations at Tsinghua University in Beijing @Tsinghua_Uni. 

 

Gangzheng She

32. Simeon Kerr

Simeon has been the Financial Times correspondent in West Asia since 2007, covering politics, business and finance across the Gulf Cooperation Council countries.

Simeon Kerr
  • 33. Stefan Wolff

    Stefan Wolff, Professor of International Security and Head of Department, Political Science and International Studies, at the University of Birmingham, as well as the co-coordinator of the OSCE Network of Think Tanks and Academic Institutions.

    Stefan Wolff profile picture
  • 34. Anoush Ehteshami & Ali Borhani

    Time flies-it is just over 1 year & we could not be prouder to have curated 35 amazing episodes BRIDialogues with some of the most intriguing guests, experts & opinion leaders. We are delighted to have been able to bring this season to an end & cannot wait to welcome you back.

    Ali Borhani and Anoush Ehteshami

33. Stefan Wolff

Stefan Wolff, Professor of International Security and Head of Department, Political Science and International Studies, at the University of Birmingham, as well as the co-coordinator of the OSCE Network of Think Tanks and Academic Institutions.

Stefan Wolff profile picture

34. Anoush Ehteshami & Ali Borhani

Time flies-it is just over 1 year & we could not be prouder to have curated 35 amazing episodes BRIDialogues with some of the most intriguing guests, experts & opinion leaders. We are delighted to have been able to bring this season to an end & cannot wait to welcome you back.

Ali Borhani and Anoush Ehteshami

Get Involved

“We look forward to hearing from you, engaging with you and your senior bench, and to support you in separating the chatter from actionable, relevant insights that can lead to access to new development and growth opportunities in one of the most dynamic parts of the world.

“The train has left Beijing, and the vessel has left Shanghai; it is time to understand, appraise, engage, win, and lead with clarity.”

Prof. Anoush Ehteshami PhD, FAcSS, FRSA Prof. of International Relations, Chair and Director, HH Sheikh Nasser al-Mohammad al-Sabah Research Programme

Ali Borhani, FRSA Managing Director, 3Sixty Strategic Advisors Ltd

For more information, to get involved or to receive a presentation on BRI Dialogues please contact ali@sixtycapital.com