A resurgent Asia is increasingly seen as one of the most important pillars of the global economy and world stability. Yet to many in the region, the UN and other existing global institutions seem increasingly inadequate to meet the challenges of global governance in the twenty-first century, while regional institutions are shallow or non-existent. The rapid growth of emerging economies and corresponding shifts in the distribution of power are challenging the current system, and with increasing interdependence the identity and the future role of global institutions is being questioned. East and South Asia's rapid economic growth fosters economic integration between China, India and Japan, but has not so far generated deep political co-operation for the divisions within Asia are at least as deep as the divisions between the emerging Asian powers and the West. All three powers have their own interests and ambitions: competition for raw materials, markets, regional influence and global prestige makes for an increasingly fierce geopolitical rivalry between the three powers, which also feeds on historical legacies and unresolved conflicts. Is Asia going to be an arena of old-style, balance-of-power politics? Or will increasing co-operation, interdependence and prospects of shared prosperity, as well as a growing awareness of their need to act as "responsible stakeholders" in the international system, enable governments to manage these differences and negative sentiments in a constructive way? How will relations between these three countries shape the future of the world economy and politics? Can they work together to help reform and galvanize global institutions?

While looking how economic interests and rivalry will shape the future of China, Japan and India, this policy oriented session will seek to expose the underlying political tensions which explain the failure of efforts to reform the architecture and management of the UN and other multilateral institutions up to now, and to suggest ways in which old and new powers can best work together to ensure that such institutions meet the global challenges of the 21st century - from climate change to state failure, from nuclear proliferation to global pandemics. It could potentially lead to a longer-term initiative aimed at identifying and removing (or at least alleviating) major sources of mistrust and resentment between different actors in the international system.

The fee for this session is 3,300 EURO. The fee covers the cost of the program, accommodations, and meals. Limited scholarship funding may be available for those who are unable to pay the full fee (i.e. from developing countries or NGOs). Participants seeking scholarship assistance must submit an application for financial aid to our admissions office.