Date on Senior Honors Thesis
5-2018
Document Type
Senior Honors Thesis
Degree Name
B.A.
Department
Political Science
Author's Keywords
soft power; Confucius Institute; public diplomacy; Hanban
Abstract
Since 2004, China has attempted to promote its image abroad through a number of soft power initiatives including culture and language learning programs called Confucius Institutes. Though ostensibly a nonprofit organization akin to other language teaching programs like the German Goethe Institutes, Spanish Cervantes Institutes, Alliance Française, and the British Council, the Confucius Institute has drawn scrutiny from academic and political leaders for its close ties to the Chinese government, threat to academic freedoms, and other questionable practices. This essay seeks to examine that debate, assess critical viewpoints, and offer suggestions for future research and policy direction. Using recently published reports on CI development and administration, this essay will explore how the institutes are founded and run – an aspect often overlooked in critical inquiry. Given the importance of postsecondary education in political socialization, it is understandable that many are wary of any outside influence in American universities. The lingering fear is that through soft power programs like the Confucius Institute, the Beijing-sanctioned view of politics and history will become the lens for American perception of China. Ultimately, the evidence against the Confucius Institute is often based on a notion of what could happen rather than what usually is the norm. Finally, this essay will seek to clarify criticisms that have become overdrawn, point out the most pressing structural and contractual issues, and recommend future research on the topic.
Recommended Citation
Bush, Christian L, "Confucius Institutes and Sino-American soft power diplomacy." (2018). College of Arts & Sciences Senior Honors Theses. Paper 157.
Retrieved from https://ir.library.louisville.edu/honors/157
Lay Summary
Since 2004, China has attempted to promote its image in foreign countries through government programs called Confucius Institutes. Confucius Institutes (or CIs) partner with foreign colleges and universities to teach Chinese language and culture. The Confucius Institute is officially a nonprofit organization, and it seems similar to programs like the British Council, German Goethe Institutes, and Spanish Cervantes Institutes, among others. However, academic and political leaders criticize the Confucius Institute for its close ties to the Chinese government, threat to academic freedom, lack of transparency, and other issues. This essay examines the debate from different viewpoints and offers opportunities for future research and policy direction. Using recently published reports on CI development and administration, this essay will explore how the institutes are founded and run – an aspect often overlooked in critical inquiry. Given the importance of postsecondary education in forming an individual's political identity, it is understandable that many are wary of any outside influence in American universities. Many fear that through soft power programs like the Confucius Institute, a biased view of politics and history will become the lens for American perception of China. Ultimately, the evidence against the Confucius Institute is often based on a notion of what could happen rather than what usually is the norm. Finally, this essay will seek to clarify criticisms that have become overdrawn, point out the most pressing concrete and contractual issues, and recommend future research on the topic.
