ZURICH, February 25, 2025 — In Asia Society Switzerland's latest Talk at the Library, Ariane Knüsel, historian and co-author of the recently published book "Die Schweiz und China", explores the remarkable history of Switzerland and China connected by an unusual and enduring relationship. Rebecca Farner, outreach and communications manager at Asia Society Switzerland, moderates the conversation.

Ariane Knüsel is Associate Professor at the University of Fribourg, Associate Researcher at Diplomatic Documents of Switzerland and The Institute for Global European Studies of the University of Basel. She received her venia legendi (habilitation) in contemporary history from University of Fribourg, a PhD in History from the University of Zurich, and has MAs from Birkbeck College, University of London, and the University of Zurich. She has published widely on the history of Switzerland and China, Western diplomatic relations with China, Western media perceptions of China, and Chinese intelligence operations in Europe. Her previous publications include China’s European Headquarters: Switzerland and China during the Cold War (Cambridge University Press, 2022), 100 Years of the Swiss Consulate’s Presence in Guangzhou (EDA, Bern 2022), and Framing China: Media Images and Political Debates in Britain, the USA and Switzerland, 1900-1950 (Ashgate, 2012). 

About Talk at the Library

Talk at the Library is a members-only series where we invite an expert to our office library, over lunch, for a conversation on specific niche topics on a variety of countries and regions of Asia. The program consists of a moderated discussion and subsequent audience Q&A. Participants have the opportunity interact with the experts, asking questions live or online. Online participation is open to the public.