Grand Strategy Summit 2026
The Grand Strategy Summit 2026, hosted by the Richard Nixon Foundation, is set to convene in Washington, DC, United States. This event serves as a critical forum for discussing and shaping grand strategy in an evolving global landscape. Participants will engage with leading thinkers and policymakers to explore the complex challenges and opportunities facing international relations.
Committees & topics
Topics
The Future of Diplomacy in a Multipolar Era · The Global Economy and the Fracturing of Trade · Energy Security and the Geopolitics of the Transition · Artificial Intelligence and the Race for Technological Primacy · Models of Government and the Contest of Political Systems · National Security in an Age of Hybrid Threats
Why it matters
In an era characterized by rapid geopolitical shifts and technological advancements, the formulation of effective grand strategy is paramount. This summit offers a unique platform for in-depth analysis and debate on how nations, particularly the USA, can navigate these complexities. Discussions will likely touch upon the rise of new powers, the persistence of traditional security threats, and the emergence of non-state actors, all of which necessitate a coherent and adaptable strategic framework.
The insights generated at this summit are crucial for understanding the long-term foreign policy trajectories of major global players. By bringing together diverse perspectives, the event aims to foster a more nuanced understanding of international dynamics and to identify potential pathways for cooperation and competition. The outcomes of such discussions can influence policy decisions and contribute to the broader discourse on global governance and stability.
How to prepare
To effectively engage with the discussions at the Grand Strategy Summit 2026, participants should undertake thorough preparation. A strong understanding of historical grand strategy concepts, as well as contemporary geopolitical theories, will be beneficial. Consider reviewing materials related to Dynamic Analysis to anticipate potential shifts in global power structures and emerging threats.
Furthermore, familiarity with the foreign policy doctrines and strategic interests of key nations, such as CHN, RUS, and IND, will provide valuable context. Understanding the interplay between economic, military, and diplomatic tools in statecraft is essential. Participants might also benefit from exploring concepts related to Engagement Strategies to better grasp the various approaches nations employ to achieve their strategic objectives.
Country perspectives
Where the most-relevant 4 countries stand on the core issues in play. Click through for the full country profile.
United StatesAs the host nation, the USA is central to discussions on grand strategy, particularly regarding its role in maintaining global order and responding to challenges from rising powers.
Role in topic
The USA is expected to articulate its strategic priorities and vision for global leadership, addressing issues of national security, economic competitiveness, and alliances.
ChinaChina's growing economic and military influence necessitates its inclusion in any grand strategy discussion, particularly concerning its regional and global ambitions.
Role in topic
Discussions will likely examine China's Belt and Road Initiative, its military modernization, and its diplomatic engagements as key components of its grand strategy.
RussiaRussia's assertive foreign policy and its role in European security and global energy markets make its strategic outlook a significant topic.
Role in topic
The summit will likely consider Russia's actions in its near abroad, its military capabilities, and its efforts to challenge existing international norms.
IndiaIndia's emergence as a major economic and strategic power in Asia positions it as a critical player in the evolving global grand strategy.
Role in topic
India's strategic autonomy, its relationships with major powers, and its contributions to regional security architectures will be key areas of focus.
Topics & background
The background behind each topic and the actors that shape it.
The Future of Diplomacy in a Multipolar Era
Key players
- United States
Anchor of the post-1945 alliance system and primary architect of liberal multilateralism
- China
Leading challenger advancing alternative institutions (BRI, AIIB, GSI) and reform of global governance
- Russia
Revisionist P5 member contesting Western-led order through hard power and spoiler diplomacy
- India
Pivotal swing power pursuing strategic autonomy and Global South leadership
FranceEU diplomatic engine pushing 'strategic autonomy' and reform of UN institutions
BrazilVoice of the Global South within BRICS+ and advocate for UNSC expansion
The Global Economy and the Fracturing of Trade
Key players
- United States
Issuer of the global reserve currency and driver of industrial policy and export controls
- China
World's largest manufacturer and trading partner pursuing self-reliance and yuan internationalization
GermanyEU economic anchor caught between U.S. security ties and Chinese export markets
JapanKey player in semiconductor supply chains and Indo-Pacific economic frameworks
- India
Fastest-growing major economy and contender for 'China+1' manufacturing relocation
Saudi ArabiaPivotal energy exporter influencing petrodollar dynamics and BRICS+ expansion
Energy Security and the Geopolitics of the Transition
Key players
- United States
World's largest oil and gas producer and leading LNG exporter, plus IRA-driven clean tech investor
- China
Dominant manufacturer of clean-energy hardware and processor of critical minerals
- Russia
Major hydrocarbon exporter using energy flows as geopolitical leverage
- Saudi Arabia
OPEC+ swing producer shaping global oil price stability
United Arab EmiratesHost of COP28 and bridge state balancing hydrocarbon revenues with transition investment
- Germany
Bellwether for European industrial decarbonization after the loss of Russian gas
Artificial Intelligence and the Race for Technological Primacy
Key players
- United States
Leader in frontier model development, compute infrastructure, and export-control architecture
- China
Principal competitor pursuing indigenous semiconductors and a state-led AI strategy
United KingdomConvener of the AI Safety Summit process and host of the AI Safety Institute
NetherlandsHome of ASML, the chokepoint supplier of EUV lithography essential to advanced chips
South KoreaCritical memory-chip producer and second host of the AI Safety Summit series
- France
Driver of the EU AI Act and host of the 2025 AI Action Summit
Models of Government and the Contest of Political Systems
Key players
- United States
Convener of the Summit for Democracy and primary advocate of liberal democratic norms
- China
Promoter of an alternative state-led governance model emphasizing stability and performance
- India
World's largest democracy and contested case study in democratic resilience and backsliding
HungaryLeading European exemplar of 'illiberal democracy' within an EU framework
- United Arab Emirates
Capable authoritarian model influential across the Gulf and Africa
- Brazil
Major democracy that survived a January 2023 insurrection and shapes Global South democratic discourse
National Security in an Age of Hybrid Threats
Key players
- United States
Global security guarantor managing simultaneous European, Indo-Pacific, and Middle East theaters
- China
Rapidly modernizing military and primary long-term peer competitor in the Indo-Pacific
- Russia
Acute conventional and nuclear threat to European security following the invasion of Ukraine
PolandNATO's eastern frontline state leading European rearmament
- Japan
Doubling defense spending and acquiring counter-strike capabilities to deter regional threats
IranRegional military actor whose proxies and drone exports shape Middle East and Eurasian security
Resources
News, lessons, and country profiles to prep for Grand Strategy Summit 2026.
Recent reporting to ground your prep
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
IndiaCountry dossier
FranceCountry dossier
BrazilCountry dossier
GermanyCountry dossier
JapanCountry dossier
Saudi ArabiaCountry dossier
United Arab EmiratesCountry dossier
United KingdomCountry dossier
NetherlandsCountry dossier
South KoreaCountry dossier
HungaryCountry dossier
PolandCountry dossier
IranCountry dossier
Related conferences
By committee
- The Future of Diplomacy in a Multipolar Era
- The Global Economy and the Fracturing of Trade
- Energy Security and the Geopolitics of the Transition
- Artificial Intelligence and the Race for Technological Primacy
- Models of Government and the Contest of Political Systems
- National Security in an Age of Hybrid Threats