The international conference “Conversations on China, Europe and the Future of Socialism” brought together researchers from China and Serbia with the aim of reexamining the meaning of socialism in the contemporary world through a dialogue between Chinese and European theoretical and political experiences. The conference was organized through the collaboration between the Institute for Philosophy and Social Theory of the University of Belgrade and NYU Shanghai. The thematic focus was on the transformations of Marxist thought, modernization in the context of Chinese socialism, and the contemporary challenges of capitalism and democracy in Europe.
Particular attention was devoted to the experience of contemporary China, its theoretical innovations in Marxism and its practical policies that connect economic development, social equality, and cultural values. Participants highlighted the importance of linking theory and practice, as well as understanding modernization not only as a technological process, but also as a social and moral one.
The discussions stressed that the future of socialism depends on the ability to combine the universal values of equality and freedom with diverse cultural and historical contexts. The conference demonstrated that reflection on socialism today cannot be separated from questions of global justice, ecology, and intercultural understanding, and that cooperation between European and Chinese intellectuals can contribute to the development of new forms of critical and emancipatory thought.