The Rocky Mountain Retreat is a biannual small group discussion that brings Chinese and U.S. experts together in a relaxed environment in Washington, D.C., Colorado, USA, and Hainan, China. This Track II convening allows experts to build trust by discussing major risks and rewards, potential flashpoints, and conflict prevention, along with an analysis of opportunities for a more affirmative vision of Sino-U.S. cooperation. Working together, experts offer a thoughtful and formidable set of ideas with potential follow-up to recommendations about future cooperation.
Eric Richardson
Senior Fellow, U.S.-China Program
Eric Richardson advises the organization on U.S.-China relations and strategic project development. A seasoned diplomat, negotiator, and attorney, Eric served over two decades at the U.S. State Department, with postings focused on China, North Korea, Myanmar, and multilateral diplomacy in Geneva. He previously worked as a journalist, campaign manager, and litigator before joining the foreign service. Eric holds degrees from Stanford and the University of Michigan in international relations and law, and speaks five languages fluently. He has received numerous honors for his public service, including the State Department’s Superior Honor Award and the UN Association’s award for outstanding multilateral diplomacy. As a consultant, Eric facilitates international dialogue on issues such as AI in warfare and relations with hard-to-reach states like Eritrea and North Korea. He also trains diplomats and civil society leaders in negotiation strategy through his Geneva-based NGO. Eric teaches international law at the University of Michigan and UC Berkeley, mentoring students in global legal advocacy.
