As the early evening descends on old Beijing, the narrow alleys come alive with a different kind of vibrancy. The air, still warm from the day’s heat, carries the enticing aroma of street food like jianbing and grilled lamb skewers. Electric scooters slide past, their headlights flickering on as the light fades. Trendy cafes and boutique shops, now aglow with neon signs, invite passersby into their cool interiors. The red lanterns overhead begin to glow, casting a soft, warm light that dances on the cobblestones. The sounds of contemporary music, create a lively, yet relaxed atmosphere. As the visitor navigates the labyrinthine district, the evening’s energy and the cooling breeze offer a refreshing contrast to the day’s heat.

While locals and tourists mingle in the lively hutongs, enjoying the aromas and sounds of the early evening, there is an awareness of the broader context. Political leaders from the USA and UK continue to promulgate a level of hostility toward China, casting a shadow over international relations.

This is my second visit to China in two years. Even on my last day in the UK, the then Prime Minister, Rishi Sunak, was declaring China as the biggest single threat to the UK. This parrots the voices of the candidates in the forthcoming US presidential election, where Joe Biden, as the 46th president, has repeatedly made hostile remarks about China and its global threat. One of the few things that he and his challenger, Donald Trump, agree upon.

From the streets, my hosts and new friends led me into a siheyuan. Siheyuan, are traditional courtyard residences, and a quintessential feature of old Beijing’s architecture. These historical homes typically consist of a rectangular courtyard surrounded by buildings on all four sides, creating a serene, enclosed space. The main house, facing south for optimal sunlight, is often the largest component and is flanked by smaller wings. Most were built during the Yuan Dynasty (1271–1368), Ming Dynasty (1368–1644), and Qing Dynasty (1644–1922). The architectural style of siheyuan evolved over these periods, reaching its peak in the Ming and Qing dynasties when it became a common residential layout for the wealthy and noble families of Beijing. Some siheyuan even date back to earlier periods, but their widespread construction and distinctive style are most closely associated with these later dynasties.

This siheyuan that we entered was now a busy restaurant. Within the confines of our dinner, geopolitical tensions seem distant. The convivial atmosphere at the table reflects a shared humanity that transcends political rhetoric and theater. Engaging in conversations about Beijing history, Chinese culture, language and philosophy, and personal stories, we build bridges of understanding. The communal act of eating together, surrounded by the rich history of Beijing, highlights the potential for harmony and collaboration, emphasizing that, despite global political dynamics, personal connections can foster a sense of unity and mutual respect.

It is very easy to dismiss politics, or specifically politicians, for seemingly wanting to provoke conflict or, at least, global tensions when we can so easily connect person-to-person across language and culture. Especially, when that human experience is facilitated by an inherent warmth, spirit of hospitality, and welcome that I have experienced from Chinese people that I have met, eaten with, and drunk Baijiu with.

It is essential to reflect on the contradictions of politics rather than focusing solely on individual politicians. Since the emergence of ancient civilizations, the complexities of making collective decisions and defining group identity have been evident. The relationship between different civilizations and groups has always been fraught with challenges. These historical dynamics continue to influence modern political landscapes, with enduring political contradictions and the ever-present challenge of navigating them while maintaining peace and mutual understanding across divisions.

Maintaining a coherent national identity while fostering peaceful and cooperative relationships with other countries and nations presents a significant challenge for political leaders. Domestic politics demand that leaders uphold and reinforce the cultural, historical, and social values that define their nation’s identity. However, conflicted these may be. Simultaneously, they must navigate a complex network of international relationships, influenced by centuries of historical interactions and shifting geopolitical landscapes. Balancing these priorities requires a nuanced understanding of both domestic sentiments and global dynamics.

Leaders must address the concerns of their populace, ensuring that national pride and unity are preserved, while also engaging in diplomacy and collaboration with other nations. This dual mandate often leads to tensions, as actions that strengthen national identity can often be antagonistic and complicate international relations. Maintaining domestic stability and global harmony underscores the profound complexity inherent in contemporary governance, where historical legacies and cultural identities continually shape the political environment.

Too often, these contradictions escalate into conflicts, as seen in the war between Russia and Ukraine or the ongoing strife between Israel and Palestine. These conflicts exemplify the precarious balance leaders must maintain. On one hand, they are tasked with preserving the integrity and sovereignty of their nation, often invoking strong nationalistic rhetoric to solidify internal cohesion. On the other hand, they must engage with the international community in a manner that mitigates hostility and fosters peace.

In the case of Russia and Ukraine, historical grievances, national identity, and geopolitical ambitions have fuelled a devastating conflict. Similarly, the Israel-Palestine conflict is deeply rooted in historical, cultural, and religious identities, making diplomatic resolution exceedingly challenging. These situations highlight the dangers when the delicate equilibrium between domestic unity and international diplomacy tips towards aggression, illustrating the critical need for leaders to navigate these complexities with a careful, informed, and empathetic approach.

This is further complicated by the complex relationships that exist between other nations and the conflicting sides. International alliances, economic dependencies, and strategic interests often intertwine, influencing the stance and actions of external actors. For instance, the involvement of NATO and the European Union in the Russia-Ukraine conflict demonstrates how geopolitical alliances can shape the trajectory and intensity of a regional dispute. Similarly, the Israel-Palestine conflict is affected by the differing positions of neighboring Arab countries and the strategic interests of global powers like the United States and Russia. These external influences can exacerbate tensions, making resolution more elusive. They can also lead to proxy conflicts, where larger powers use local disputes to further their own strategic aims, complicating the peace process.

So, what then of the relationship between China and Western powers and vice versa? This relationship is emblematic of the intricate balance between cooperation and competition in international politics. Economic interdependence between China and Western countries is profound, with extensive trade networks and investment flows creating a mutual reliance that theoretically should promote stability and collaboration. However, this economic entanglement is often overshadowed by strategic rivalries, ideological differences, and security concerns. Western powers frequently express apprehension about China’s growing influence and assertiveness on the global stage, leading to a mixture of engagement and containment strategies. Simultaneously, China is wary of Western intentions, perceiving efforts to curb its rise as a threat to its sovereignty and regional ambitions. This duality of interdependence and rivalry complicates diplomatic efforts, necessitating a sophisticated approach that balances economic cooperation with strategic caution, aiming to prevent tensions from escalating into open conflict.

These global tensions and how national identity is portrayed in national and regional media, can profoundly affect how individuals in different societies perceive each other. Media narratives shape public opinion, often emphasizing conflict, competition, and ideological differences over commonalities and cooperation. This can lead to a skewed perception of others, where individuals form opinions based on media portrayals rather than personal interactions or firsthand experiences. For instance, Western media might depict China as a monolithic, authoritarian state, while Chinese media may portray Western countries as hegemonic and interfering. These representations can create and reinforce stereotypes, fostering mistrust and misunderstanding between people.

Even as I left the UK several weeks ago, there were frequent expressions, sometimes conveyed in light-hearted ways, about China, its people, and the way of life here. These comments, often rooted in stereotypes and misconceptions, reflect the pervasive influence of media and political rhetoric on public perception. Casual remarks about China’s political system, cultural practices, or economic policies reveal the extent to which geopolitical narratives penetrate everyday conversations. Such expressions, though seemingly benign, can perpetuate biases and hinder genuine understanding between different cultures. This underscores the necessity for more informed and empathetic dialogue, both in personal interactions and in broader societal discourse, to bridge the gap between perception and reality, fostering a more accurate and respectful understanding of other cultures.

While I walk the safe streets of Beijing, enjoy the warm company of the people, and appreciate its diversity, rich culture, and history, I am also acutely aware of the internal struggles and deep sense of harmony that characterize this society. This experience reinforces the notion that we live in a global world where each of us carries a global responsibility. Interacting with locals, immersing ourselves in their way of life, and witnessing their resilience and unity highlight the interconnectedness of our global community. It becomes evident that fostering mutual understanding and respect across cultural and national boundaries is essential. Everyone has a role in promoting global harmony, whether through personal interactions, advocating for balanced media portrayals, or supporting policies that encourage peaceful coexistence. This sense of shared responsibility is crucial in a world where our actions and attitudes can significantly impact international relations and global peace.

While we may despair at the apparent personal limitations and fallacies of powerful leaders such as Biden, Trump, Sunak, Xi Jinping, Putin, Netanyahu, and the rise of the far right in the EU, the global challenges we face—such as climate change, artificial intelligence, technological advance, and global peace—remain a collective responsibility. The actions and decisions of these leaders undeniably shape the world, but they do not absolve individuals from contributing to solutions. Addressing climate change requires not only international agreements but also local actions and lifestyle changes. Navigating the ethical complexities of artificial intelligence and technological progress demands a collective effort to advocate for responsible innovation and regulation. Striving for global peace involves fostering empathy, understanding, and cooperation at every level of society. In this interconnected world, each person’s choices and actions can contribute to a larger movement towards a more sustainable, just, and peaceful global community.

It should not be understood that this is entirely a commitment to individual responsibility and personal action. Rather, it is crucial to recognize that individuality and its emergence in modern Europe must be comprehended in a global context. The individual is not an essential construct, as I have discussed in previous articles, but rather, individuality is paradoxically only individual because of its relation to all others. This interconnectedness means that our sense of self and personal identity are shaped and defined by our interactions with and understanding of the broader global community. The concept of the individual is thus a product of a collective framework, highlighting the importance of considering global perspectives and collaborative efforts in addressing the complex challenges we face. By embracing this relational understanding of individuality, we can better appreciate the interconnected nature of our world and the collective responsibility we share in shaping its future.

This somewhat reflects the traditions of Chinese philosophy and thought, which emphasize interconnectedness and harmony, in sharp contrast to the essentialized individualism of European modernity that progressed in the United States during its colonization. However, the Western tradition of individuality has significantly contributed to innovation and creativity, fostering advances in science, technology, and the arts. What this suggests is that a global modern character embodies elements from both traditions. The Chinese emphasis on collective harmony and the Western focus on individualism are not mutually exclusive but rather complementary. Together, they can create a more holistic approach to global challenges, blending the strengths of innovation and creativity with a deep sense of interconnected responsibility.

This is a better framing of what personal responsibility might mean. It is not premised on static, individualized traits and characteristics, but rather on a dynamic understanding of identity. Who we are is continually shaped by our experiences and context, stabilizing periodically as we interact with the world around us. Personal responsibility, therefore, involves recognizing our role within a larger network of relationships and influences. It calls for adaptability, empathy, and a commitment to growth, understanding that our actions are interconnected with the broader societal and global landscape. This perspective encourages us to consider how our decisions impact others and to engage in actions that promote collective well-being, reflecting a more fluid and responsive sense of self.

This is a challenge for each of us, whether we come from the Western tradition with its strong sense of self and enduring characteristics or from traditions that emphasize collective harmony. These differing perspectives highlight the importance of education in preparing young people to navigate and address the complexities of a globalized society. Educational systems must equip students with the skills to assertively and responsibly engage with the world, fostering both a strong sense of individual agency and an understanding of our interconnectedness. This dual focus can help them develop the adaptability and empathy needed to tackle global challenges, bridging the gap between personal ambition and collective well-being. By integrating diverse philosophical traditions and emphasizing global responsibility, education can cultivate a generation better equipped to confront and resolve the pressing issues of our interconnected world.