In partnership with the National High School Debate League of China (NHSDLC), Asia Society will host an exhibition round — War of Words with High Schoolers from China — between four top Chinese and American high school debaters. The students will present and exchange their arguments around the trade-off between development and environment, followed by a panel discussion and Q&A with the audience on how debate has transformed their lives.
Long the extracurricular of choice on American high school and university campuses, English-language debate has evolved over the past few years into a vibrant student community in China. Debate has provided many Chinese youth with a space for free inquiry, a sense of self-confidence, relief from test-based learning, and connection to a global network of open-minded peers.
Joining the students on the panel discussion, Orville Schell, Arthur Ross Director of Asia Society’s Center on U.S.-China Relations; David Weeks, co-founder of the NHSDLC; and other members of the American and Chinese debate community will share their perspectives on the power of debate, education in China, and bridging differences globally.
In partnership with:
National High School Debate League of China (NHSDLC)