On March 19, the Global Vision Lectures at the University of Chinese Academy of Social Sciences were held in Beijing, featuring an academic speech by Massimo D'Alema, former Prime Minister of Italy and President of the Italianieuropei Foundation. The event was moderated by Zhao Rui, Vice President of the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences.
Mr. D'Alema noted that human society has entered an era of "hyper-globalization" since 1989. The current international situation is marked by the integration of world markets, the exponential growth of global wealth in economic terms, and the continuous expansion of Western hegemony in political terms. However, this form of globalization is largely ruleless and entirely subject to market logic. While market logic can generate immense wealth, it has also led to fierce contradictions and painful conflicts, such as increasing social inequality, economic stagnation, and a waning confidence in progress. At present, Western hegemony has been weakened, not only due to the rise of emerging powers but also because of the contradictions and vulnerabilities inherent in its development model. It is essential to recognize that, unlike the past, we now live in a world that is no longer bipolar: an increasing number of countries are taking center stage in international affairs, each exerting influence over international order and significant decisions for the future. Among them, China, deriving its distinctiveness from thousands of years of cultural tradition, stands as a unique power. It has fostered an irreplicable development model and social structure known as socialism with Chinese characteristics.
Mr. D'Alema expressed concern over the current international landscape: prevalent crises such as the Russia-Ukraine conflict and the Israel-Palestine conflict reflect the increasingly tense international political relations, while economic development and trade are experiencing a slowdown. The old order is declining, and a new order can only exist based on new balances and shared responsibilities. Therefore, the international community must make a collective commitment to achieving a fairer form of globalization. A more equitable globalization involves establishing rules favorable to environmental sustainability and workers' rights, curbing the excessive power of financial capital and multinational corporations, and reversing decades-long trends of increasing inequality through redistributive tax policies.
Zhao Rui commented that Mr. D'Alema's insightful analysis of the current international situation, emphasizing the importance of dialogue and cooperation, aligns closely with President Xi Jinping's concept of building a community with a shared future for mankind. As outstanding representatives of Eastern and Western civilizations, China and Italy bear significant responsibilities in promoting the establishment of a more just, reasonable, and inclusive international order. We share common values and development goals, and we both are committed to upholding multilateralism and advancing international cooperation and dialogue. In the face of the current international situation, we must remain calm and rational, adhere to multilateralism and international cooperation, and work together to create a bright future for China-Italy relations and build a community with a shared future for mankind.
Over 500 faculty members and students from the UCASS attended the event, engaging in discussions with Mr. D'Alema on deepening cultural exchanges between China and Italy and promoting the construction of a community with a shared future for mankind.
