Speaker:

Dr Samir Puri
Director
Centre for Global Governance and Security, Chatham House

Date & Time:

Thursday, 12 June 2025
3:30 pm – 5:00 pm (Singapore Time)

On-Site Venue:

469A Bukit Timah Rd, #06-01 Tower Block, Singapore 259770

Registration is required:

Please click here and indicate if you are joining in person: https://nus-sg.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_vhmR1xdMRDiIndDX9ebcbQ

Synopsis:

Slow-burning trends that might have only developed in the fullness of time are now poised to accelerate following the rapid changes taking place this year in international affairs. In his book, Westlessness, Dr Puri examines how Asia is at the forefront of these wider changes. He vividly demonstrates how, in demographic, economic, military and cultural terms, the world is hurtling towards a far more diverse global future. Many certainties of the present, built on centuries of massive Western global impact, are becoming increasingly fragile. Untold wealth is moving from the West to the East, as nations like India and Indonesia are set to reach new heights of growth and confidence. Meanwhile, China’s economic rise continues, albeit with potential vulnerabilities emerging. The Western world, under the aegis of US global military, economic, technological and cultural power, faces the question of whether it will willingly give up its privileged position.

Dr Puri’s presentation will highlight the changing position of the West and the relative weakening of long-held notions of a ‘collective West’, analysing trend lines that shed light on the evolving global balance and the new world order.