China's Emergence and the Transformation
of Global Commerce

Presented by The Center for Global Commerce at the McIntire School of Commerce

Unable to attend? Watch it now at the links below.

Part 1: Keynote Address by James Fallows*

Part 2: Geopolitical & Economic Perspectives Panel

Part 3: Business & Financial Perspectives Panel

Part 4: Q&A, Wrap-Up by James Fallows*

*Parts 1 and 4 are available for McIntire students and alumni at McIntire for viewing on an individual basis. Please contact Mandi Crisp or Jenny Leslie to arrange a time to view the material.

8:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.
Friday, April 23, 2010
University of Virginia
Old Cabell Hall, South Lawn
Rouss & Robertson Halls, East Lawn

This year, the McIntire School continues our series on global commerce in the 21^st century, considering the transformational impact inherent in China’s emergence as a global power. The topic seems a particularly important one for us to tackle at this time, given China’s emergence globally as the world’s largest trading nation and holder of foreign currency reserves, its rapid emergence as an unprecedentedly large domestic consumer market, and perhaps the increasing awareness that these combined forces suggest not merely an important economic development but a fundamental reshaping of our global economy. Given the magnitude and trajectory of China’s future path of growth, we are experiencing only a small portion of China’s potential impact on global commerce, geopolitics, and society at large. Indeed, it seems likely that we are in the midst of an inflection point of considerable historic importance.

China’s rise suggests several fundamental questions that we will consider during the 2010 Spring Symposium. First, what are the global economic implications for regions and countries throughout the world, as Chinese companies emerge both as formidable global competitors and increasingly intense consumers of global resources? Second, what are the implications geopolitically and specifically for the United States, as the U.S.-led global framework of the post-war era is increasingly challenged by new and potentially conflicting perspectives and priorities? Third, perhaps most importantly, what does the emergence of the world’s largest consumer economy mean for already constrained resources and a fragile global environment? Taken together, how will the evolution of these issues impact the global commercial landscape, society at large, and each of us as individuals?

Comprehending such complex issues is difficult at best but even more so in the presence of a paradigm shift. Addressing these questions both honestly and well requires that we carefully examine the validity of key mainstream assumptions commonly held about China’s emergence, including that it is primarily economic in nature, that it is occurring within a domestic political construct that is both static and rigid, and that its ultimate emergence will be within the contours of a ‘Western’ model that will leave the global system largely intact. Indeed, the perspectives and responses of the world’s political and business leaders and the broader global community to China’s emergence undoubtedly will have a fundamental impact on the future course of global commerce, underscoring the relevance and importance of this year’s Symposium topic. 

Observers agree that China’s emergence heralds a new phase of globalization. This year’s Symposium will raise our awareness of its complexity, the possibility of different scenarios playing out over time, and the historic opportunities and challenges for organizations at all levels of global commerce. Our group of outstanding scholars, journalists, and business professionals promises to offer a lively, stimulating, and provocative conversation, drawing on their richly varied perspectives and experiences in both the academy and business world.

McIntire’s annual symposia – with a tradition of thoughtful interdisciplinary discussion and debate – are designed to benefit all in our community, challenging students to expand their horizons, inspiring faculty to reach new levels of research and teaching effectiveness, and stimulating improved management practice within our community of participating alumni and friends.  Perhaps more importantly, the symposia serve as catalysts that rekindle old friendships, enhance our intellectual lives, and renew our belief in the significance of Mr. Jefferson’s University for both individuals and the common good. The 2010 Spring Symposium will build on that tradition, and we look forward to the honor of your participation.