Xi’s ‘Thucydides’ Trap’ warning during summit with Trump revives debate over US-China rivalry

The concept, which draws on the ancient Greek historian Thucydides, describes the danger that conflict can erupt when a rising power challenges an established one.

US President Donald Trump shakes hands with Chinese President Xi Jinping after a visit to the Zhongnanhai Garden in Beijing, China, May 15, 2026. (Photo: Reuters/Evan Vucci/Pool)

Listen

6 min