CSS Research and Policy Seminar with Thomas Cavanna

Thomas Cavanna, a visiting assistant professor at The Fletcher School, presented a new version of his working paper on U.S. and Chinese influence in Europe on June 29. Cavanna discussed the theoretical innovations of the draft text and how these are connected to the relative strengths of the two great powers across three fields: economics, military capabilities, and ideas. His findings suggest that China’s influence in Europe erodes American leadership across all three fields, but the erosion is limited,  preventing a replacement of American hegemony in the region.

Seminar participants discussed Cavanna’s application of hegemonic order theory and the comprehensive treatment of the struggle for influence in each area. CSS looks forward to seeing how Cavanna’s working paper evolves as he takes on board suggestions and prepares it for publication.