2026 AGS Geopolitical Leadership Summit
The 2026 AGS Geopolitical Leadership Summit is an upcoming event focused on trade, artificial intelligence, and great-power competition. Hosted in Washington, DC, USA, the summit provides a platform for discussions on critical global challenges and strategic responses. This gathering is designed for leaders and strategists to engage with pressing geopolitical issues.
Committees & topics
Security Council
Diplomacy and the UN Security Council in an Era of Great-Power Rivalry · International Relations and the Shifting Global Order · Policy Making under Chapter VII: Sanctions, Mandates, and Enforcement · Global Leadership and the Responsibility to Maintain International Peace · Geopolitics: Flashpoints and Strategic Competition · Crisis Simulations: Rapid-Response Decision-Making in the Council
Why it matters
In an era of rapid geopolitical shifts, understanding the interplay of trade, artificial intelligence, and great-power competition is paramount. This summit offers a timely opportunity to delve into these interconnected themes, which are shaping international relations and economic landscapes. The discussions held here can inform strategic decision-making for governments, corporations, and international organizations.
The focus on these specific areas reflects their growing influence on global stability and prosperity. Trade policies, for instance, are increasingly weaponized or used as tools of influence, while advancements in artificial intelligence are poised to redefine defense capabilities, economic productivity, and societal structures. Simultaneously, the dynamics of great-power competition continue to evolve, demanding careful analysis and adaptive strategies from all stakeholders. The summit's location in Washington, DC, USA, a key center for international policy, further underscores its relevance.
How to prepare
To maximize engagement with the summit's themes of trade, artificial intelligence, and great-power competition, attendees should undertake preparatory research. Understanding the current state of global trade agreements and disputes, the ethical and strategic implications of AI development, and the historical and contemporary aspects of great-power dynamics will be beneficial. Consider how these topics intersect and influence each other, as this interdisciplinary approach will likely be central to the discussions.
Familiarity with various national perspectives on these issues can also enhance participation. For example, how different countries approach trade liberalization versus protectionism, or their national strategies for AI development and regulation, will be key discussion points. Analyzing the strategic interests and geopolitical objectives of major global actors in the context of great-power competition will provide a robust framework for understanding the summit's agenda. Engaging with concepts such as "Engagement Strategies" and "Dynamic Analysis" from a Model Diplomat perspective can further refine one's approach to the summit's complex topics.
Country perspectives
Where the most-relevant 5 countries stand on the core issues in play. Click through for the full country profile.
United StatesA primary actor in global trade, AI development, and great-power competition, often advocating for open markets while also employing strategic trade measures and investing heavily in AI research and defense.
Role in topic
As the host nation and a significant global power, USA plays a central role in shaping discussions around international trade frameworks, the ethical and military dimensions of AI, and the broader dynamics of great-power competition. Its policies and technological advancements directly impact these areas.
ChinaA major global trading power with a state-led approach to AI development and a growing influence in great-power competition, often seeking to expand its economic and technological footprint.
Role in topic
CHN's economic policies, rapid advancements in AI, and increasing geopolitical assertiveness make it a critical focal point in discussions on trade imbalances, technological rivalry, and the evolving nature of great-power competition. Its Belt and Road Initiative, for example, is a significant trade and geopolitical strategy.
RussiaA significant player in great-power competition, often leveraging energy resources and military capabilities, with a developing interest in AI applications for defense and surveillance.
Role in topic
RUS's geopolitical strategies, particularly its role in regional conflicts and its approach to international security, are central to understanding great-power competition. Its engagement with AI, especially in military contexts, adds another layer to these dynamics, though its trade influence is more concentrated in specific sectors like energy.
GermanyA leading export-oriented economy within the European Union, focused on maintaining a strong position in global trade and investing in AI research, while navigating the complexities of great-power competition through multilateralism.
Role in topic
DEU's economic strength and commitment to multilateral trade agreements make it an important voice in discussions on global trade. Its investments in advanced manufacturing and AI research contribute to the technological landscape, and its diplomatic efforts are key in managing great-power tensions within Europe and beyond.
JapanA technologically advanced nation with a strong export economy, actively investing in AI and navigating complex regional security dynamics within the context of great-power competition.
Role in topic
JPN's technological prowess, particularly in robotics and AI, positions it as a key contributor to discussions on technological innovation and its societal impact. Its reliance on international trade and its strategic alliances are crucial in understanding its approach to global economic policies and great-power dynamics in the Indo-Pacific.
Topics & background
The background behind each topic and the actors that shape it.
Diplomacy and the UN Security Council in an Era of Great-Power Rivalry
Key players
- United States
P5 member; principal architect of the post-1945 order, now navigating contested leadership
- China
P5 member; advocates non-interference and increasingly active in mediation, e.g., Saudi-Iran deal
- Russia
P5 member; frequent veto user, party to the Ukraine conflict
FranceP5 member; leads the 2013 initiative to restrain veto use in mass atrocity situations
United KingdomP5 member; penholder on numerous African files and reform advocate
BrazilLeading G4 reform claimant pressing for expanded permanent membership
Security Council
International Relations and the Shifting Global Order
Key players
- United States
Anchor of the existing liberal order and primary security guarantor for many allies
- China
Principal challenger to US primacy; promotes Global Development and Security Initiatives
- Russia
Revisionist power seeking to overturn post-1991 European security arrangements
IndiaLeading non-aligned voice and G4 aspirant for permanent Council membership
- Brazil
BRICS founding member championing reform of global governance
South AfricaVoice of African positions; brought the Gaza genocide case to the ICJ
Security Council
Policy Making under Chapter VII: Sanctions, Mandates, and Enforcement
Key players
- United States
Largest financial contributor; drives sanctions enforcement through dollar system
- United Kingdom
Penholder on most African sanctions files and peacekeeping mandates
- France
Penholder on Sahel and Lebanon files; key voice on PoC mandates
- China
Increasingly active in shaping mandate language; resists intrusive monitoring
- Russia
Has blocked or weakened sanctions panels on DPRK, Mali, and Syria
EthiopiaMajor peacekeeping troop contributor representing host-state perspectives
Security Council
Global Leadership and the Responsibility to Maintain International Peace
Key players
- United States
Traditional convening power; leadership contested by domestic political shifts
- China
Largest developing-country economy positioning itself as Global South leader
- Germany
Major financial contributor and G4 reform claimant
- Japan
Long-serving elected member and G4 claimant emphasizing rules-based order
NigeriaPivotal African voice and candidate for African permanent seat
NorwaySmall-state convener known for mediation and peace processes
Security Council
Geopolitics: Flashpoints and Strategic Competition
Key players
- United States
Primary security guarantor in Europe, Indo-Pacific, and Middle East
- Russia
Belligerent in Ukraine; expanding footprint in Africa via security partnerships
- China
Asserts claims in South China Sea and over Taiwan; major Belt and Road creditor
IranBacks regional 'axis of resistance'; advancing nuclear program after JCPOA collapse
IsraelCentral actor in Middle East conflict cascade since October 2023
UkraineFrontline state defending against Russian invasion
Security Council
Crisis Simulations: Rapid-Response Decision-Making in the Council
Key players
- United States
Frequently leads crisis drafting; logistical capacity for rapid deployment
- United Kingdom
Active drafter in humanitarian crises; bridge between P3 and broader membership
- France
Drives initiatives on civilian protection and atrocity prevention
- Russia
Often blocks Western-led crisis resolutions; offers counter-drafts
- China
Pivotal swing voice; emphasizes consent of host states
GuyanaRecent E10 member illustrating elected-member agility in crisis diplomacy
Resources
News, lessons, and country profiles to prep for 2026 AGS Geopolitical Leadership Summit.
Lessons
Bite-sized lessons to build the basics
Courses
Guided courses that go deeper on the topic
The states in play, with the data that shapes their stance
United StatesCountry dossier
ChinaCountry dossier
RussiaCountry dossier
FranceCountry dossier
United KingdomCountry dossier
BrazilCountry dossier
IndiaCountry dossier
South AfricaCountry dossier
EthiopiaCountry dossier
GermanyCountry dossier
JapanCountry dossier
NigeriaCountry dossier
NorwayCountry dossier
IranCountry dossier
IsraelCountry dossier
UkraineCountry dossier
GuyanaCountry dossier