China is on the brink of becoming the next global superpower. With a population of 1.3 billion, its economic locomotive has powered ahead of the West, spurred by technological advances and state-directed capitalism. Some call its economic rise unstoppable. But beneath the surface, both social and political turbulence is bubbling. Others argue China is ill-prepared to handle the burden of its own success.
Will China thrive in the 21st century on the back of its powerful economic system? Or will it be derailed by its ideological and social underpinnings?
The 2011 Munk Debates will tackle this geopolitical issue of our time.
The case for: David Daokui Li and Niall Ferguson
The case against: Henry Kissinger and Fareed Zakaria
THE MUNK DEBATES: June 17, 2011, at 7 p.m. ET, Roy Thomson Hall, Toronto.
Complete coverage
The Globe and Mail is providing extensive coverage of the Munk Debate about China's role in the 21st century.
- COMMENTARY: Two opposing viewpoints on China
- VIDEO DEBATES: Watch the writers go head-to-head
- AUDIO: Editorial Board Editor John Geiger sits down with Henry Kissinger and David Daokui Li for in-depth interviews.
- PHOTOS: Mini-biographies of Mr. Kissinger and Mr. Li
- ARCHIVE: Revisit the Munk Debates of past years including whether religion is a force for good or evil, as debated by former British prime minister Tony Blair and columnist Christopher Hitchens.
- LIVE STREAM: Visit globeandmail.com to watch the Munk Debates live at 7 p.m. ET on June 17
Munk Debate Ticket Contest
The Munk Debates are offering eight VIP tickets to see the China debate. To take part in the contest, go head-to-head against a friend and debate China's role in the 21st century. Then post the video on the Munk Debates online forum.
Tickets will go to the top two most-watched debates. For more information, visit the Munk Debates contest page at www.munkdebates.com/head-to-head.
Complete your debate early to have the best chance of winning. Submissions must be receive before noon ET on June 15 to be eligible.
Let the debates begin!