Learning Session on “Foreign Policies and International Relations of Great Powers” for the China Fellowship Program at the University of Sargodha

On 23rd December 2025, a learning session on “Foreign Policies and International Relations of Great Powers” was conducted under the joint China Fellowship Program at the University of Sargodha (UoS). The session aimed to enhance students understanding of the strategic behavior, diplomatic priorities, and global influence of major powers in the contemporary international system.
The session was led by Ms. Iqra Javaid, Lecturer and Research Associate at the University of Lahore, and Member of the Board of Experts at the Pakistan Research Center for a Community with Shared Future (PRCCSF). Ms. Iqra is a recognized expert on China’s engagement with Kazakhstan, Turkmenistan, and Central Asia, with particular focus on China’s regional diplomacy and connectivity-driven development strategies. She also possesses extensive expertise on China’s major development initiatives, especially the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI).
During her presentation, Ms. Iqra provided an in-depth analysis of the foreign policies of major global powers, highlighting how economic interests, security concerns, and geopolitical considerations shape their international relations. She emphasized China’s evolving role as a responsible global actor and discussed its cooperative approach toward regional development, infrastructure connectivity, and economic integration through initiatives such as the BRI. Special attention was given to China–Central Asia relations, energy cooperation, and regional stability.
The session concluded with a comprehensive summary of key insights, underlining the importance of understanding great power politics for students of international relations in an increasingly multipolar world. Ms. Iqra encouraged students to critically analyze global developments and adopt an objective, research-oriented approach in their academic pursuits.
The session featured an engaging question-and-answer segment, during which students actively participated and exchanged perspectives with the speaker. This interactive discussion allowed participants to clarify concepts, explore real-world policy implications, and deepen their understanding of contemporary international dynamics.
The session was moderated by Ms. Alishba Aslam, Research Officer at the Pakistan Institute of China Studies (PICS-UoS), who facilitated the discussion, ensured smooth proceedings, and effectively coordinated interactions between the speaker and the participants.