China's economic rise has been both meteoric and relentless.  Few now doubt that it will shortly eclipse the US and become the largest economy in the world.  But we still tend to imagine that Western ideas will continue to dominate.

Is this an illusion?  Contemporary Chinese thinkers argue that ancient ideas such as Tianxia have greater potential for global harmony than western ideas of individualism. Is the sun setting on Western ideas as well as Western economies?  Or is Western thought essential to growth and progress -and already embedded in China's success?

Author of How the World Thinks Julian Baggini, political philosopher Jamie Whyte and Oxford Professor of China Studies Vivienne Shue consider China's influence on the future of ideas.

In association with Prospect

« Back To Debates