Soft Power through China’s Confucius Institutes:  A Conversation with Jay Wang

The USC Center on Public Diplomacy was pleased to welcome Jay Wang, CPD University Fellow and Associate Professor, USC Annenberg School for Communication & Journalism to discuss his research project on China's Confucius Institutes in the United States.

His CPD-sponsored project examines the Confucius Institute as a platform for China’s cultural diplomacy within the larger context of U.S.-China relations. It aims to develop a framework for better understanding the opportunities and challenges facing organizations of cultural diplomacy in contemporary times.

This presentation focused on the question why the Confucius Institute has grown so fast by identifying the driving forces underlying its rapid expansion. In addition, he raised important issues about its organizational and operational model.

Read the event synopsis below.

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SYNOPSIS
Professor Wang discussed the rapid expansion of Confucius Institutes (CI) in the U.S. and the possible factors underlying its growth. He identified four factors which he believes are the driving force behind the Institute’s unpredicted growth: a receptive political environment, an effective and efficient entry model, a motivated Chinese government and tapping into unmet needs. Wang asserts that the growing value for cultural exchanges within international relations and communication set the stage for this expansion. In addition, Wang noted that more research is needed to analyze the Institute’s expansion and performance to determine whether or not this model is sustainable. Questions he raised include whether this model can serve as a platform for reciprocal exchange; how does it affect U.S./Chinese relations; why is China doing this; and does the reach of the Institute extend beyond the ethnic Chinese community. There are more than 70 CI’s in the U.S., the vast majority of which partner with public universities.