On the afternoon of March 7, 2025, the Center for American Studies at Fudan University (CAS Fudan) hosted the launch event for the Chinese edition of America in the World: A History of U.S. Diplomacy and Foreign Policy, the latest work by Robert B. Zoellick, former President of the World Bank and former U.S. Deputy Secretary of State. The event was chaired by Professor Wu Xinbo, Dean of the Institute of International Studies and Director of the Center for American Studies at Fudan University. As the first significant event in the series celebrating the 40th anniversary of the Center, the book launch featured Zoellick’s introduction to the background and core themes of his work, as well as his insights on contemporary international affairs, the impact of U.S. foreign policy, and the development of China-U.S. relations.
Zoellick noted that America in the World not only provides a comprehensive review of U.S. diplomatic history but also offers a pragmatic framework for understanding American foreign policy. He emphasized that U.S. diplomacy is primarily outcome-driven rather than guided by rigid theoretical models. Unlike Henry Kissinger’s Diplomacy, which examines international relations from a European perspective, America in the World takes a U.S.-centered approach, focusing on the evolution of American foreign policy in the post-Cold War era.
In discussing China-U.S. relations, Zoellick highlighted key historical moments, including late Qing dynasty trade relations, the Washington Naval Conference of 1921–1922, and President Nixon’s visit to China. He explored the trajectory of China-U.S. relations through three key themes: commercial opportunities, superpower dynamics, and cultural exchanges. Zoellick expressed his hope that America in the World would help readers develop a deeper understanding of the foundations of U.S. foreign policy and its global influence, providing valuable insights for China-U.S. relations and international engagement.
Professor Wu Xinbo was invited to write the foreword for the book. At the launch event, he noted that the book employs a panoramic narrative to examine the ideas, practices, and traditions of U.S. diplomacy from the country’s founding to the 21st century. He highlighted Zoellick’s focus on problem-solving diplomacy and his identification of five significant traditions in U.S. foreign policy: the North American foundation, free trade, alliances, domestic political support, and a sense of national mission. Wu remarked that, as both a scholar and a former senior official, Zoellick’s deep reflections, unique perspectives, and firsthand experiences enhance the book’s readability, setting it apart from conventional diplomatic histories. His analysis of different U.S. presidents’ foreign policy approaches is precise and engaging. At the same time, Wu pointed out that Zoellick’s assessments reflect his personal perspectives and preferences, which readers need not fully endorse. Nevertheless, in the contemporary world, when populism, economic nationalism, and unilateralism are on the rise in the U.S., this book provides valuable insights into the country’s diplomatic transformation.
The event concluded with Zoellick answering questions from students, journalists, and other attendees on topics including international affairs, regional conflicts, the impact of Trump’s tariff policies, and developments in the AI industry.
Zoellick has held senior positions across the U.S. government, business, and academic sectors. His career includes roles as Counselor to the U.S. Treasury Secretary, Counselor at the State Department, Deputy Secretary of State, Deputy Chief of Staff at the White House, U.S. Trade Representative, and President of the World Bank. He played a key role as a senior U.S. government representative in China’s accession to the World Trade Organization and was one of the initiators of the China-U.S. Strategic Dialogue.
