CSUF Student Crystal Weber Honored for China Research at Royce International Symposium
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Crystal Weber, a political science student from Cal State Fullerton (CSUF), was honored at the Royce International Symposium on March 13 for her exceptional research on China’s evolving power techniques. Weber received a student research award and a $500 scholarship for her presentation. The symposium, hosted at the Richard Nixon Presidential library & Museum, served as a forum for students and experts to engage in discussions about international relations and foreign policy. Weber’s work focused on the shift from soft power to hard power within China’s foreign policy strategy.
Weber, who is expected to graduate in 2025 with a degree in political science, expressed her appreciation for the prospect. I’m extremely grateful for this opportunity, not onyl to share my research at this level, but to develop my skills.
She intends to use the scholarship to prepare for the law School Admission Test (LSAT), a critical step toward her aspirations of attending law school and pursuing a legal career.
CSUF political science student”>Weber’s Research on China’s Power Dynamics
Weber’s research paper explored China’s use of soft power, which she defined as non-coercive methods, such as media control, used by government systems to influence cultural, social, and political values. Under the guidance of Simon Tang, a CSUF lecturer specializing in international political economy and comparative politics, weber discovered a decline in China’s soft power influence, coinciding with the rise of hard power techniques, including increased military capabilities.
The concept of soft power, popularized by political scientist Joseph nye, suggests that a country’s ability to attract and persuade is as vital as its military or economic might. weber’s research highlights the complex interplay between soft and hard power in China’s foreign policy strategy,suggesting a potential shift in priorities.
Student Research Panel at the Symposium
Weber was one of four students who presented their research on March 13. The student research panel also included Ji Hwan Lee, who presented on Africa’s message to the U.S. and china in soft power competition; Daisy Sandoval, who presented on hard and soft power in Latin America; and Francis Arguien, who presented on hard-ruled China and soft power.
These presentations offered diverse perspectives on the dynamics of power and influence in different regions of the world, contributing to a rich and insightful discussion at the symposium. The students’ work provided valuable insights into the complexities of international relations.
CSUF President’s Viewpoint
CSUF President Ronald S. Rochon emphasized the importance of the symposium in connecting academic inquiry with real-world policy challenges. This symposium connects academic inquiry with real-world policy challenges,
Rochon said. For students, this event provides an opportunity to move beyond the headlines and to examine the complexities of diplomacy and international relations by encouraging open discourse. we empower the next generation of leaders to approach diplomacy with intelligence and great integrity.
Keynote Address by Ed Royce
Former U.S. Rep. Ed Royce ’77, delivered the keynote address, focusing on American Foreign Policy in a Destabilized World: Hard, Soft and sharp Power Challenges.
Royce explored the promotion of democracy and the use of strategic communication and policy initiatives to counter authoritarian influence.
Royce, who represented California’s 39th Congressional District from 1993 to 2019 and chaired the House Foreign affairs Committee from 2013-19, brought a wealth of experience and expertise to the discussion. His insights into the challenges facing American foreign policy resonated with the audience,providing a seasoned perspective on global affairs.
Soft power is about persuasion. It’s about data and ideals.let’s use that and reserve the hard power only when we need it.
Ed Royce,Former U.S. Rep.
Royce provided insights into critical issues such as Russia and China’s control of mass media, the meaning of bipartisan cooperation in U.S. foreign policy and aid programs, and the crucial balance between hard and soft power. His address underscored the importance of strategic communication and diplomacy in navigating a complex global landscape.
Expert Panel discussions
The event also featured policy and political science experts from various universities and Washington, D.C.-based organizations. These experts shared their knowledge on power dynamics in the 21st century and Latin America’s relations with the U.S. and China, enriching the symposium with diverse perspectives and in-depth analysis. The panel discussions provided attendees with a extensive understanding of the challenges and opportunities facing the international community.
Symposium Sponsors and Partners
The symposium was organized by CSUF’s Department of Political Science. Sponsors and partners included Brownstein, SoCal Gas, Paul Carter ’92, Richard nixon Foundation, CSUF’s College of Humanities and Social Sciences, OC Forum, The Orange County Register, and the World Affairs Council-Orange County. Those interested in receiving future symposium program announcements can email contact information to [email protected].
Conclusion
The Royce International Symposium at the Richard Nixon Presidential Library & Museum served as a valuable platform for students like Crystal Weber to showcase their research and engage with experts in the field of international relations. Weber’s recognition underscores the importance of academic inquiry in understanding the complexities of global power dynamics and shaping future leaders in diplomacy and policy. The symposium highlighted the critical role of education and research in addressing the challenges facing the world today.
The Shifting Sands of Global Power: An Exclusive Interview on China’s Evolving Influence
Is China’s rise to global power a smooth ascent, or is it a precarious climb fraught with strategic shifts and unforeseen challenges?
Interviewer: Dr. Anya Petrova, a leading expert in international relations and Chinese foreign policy at Georgetown University, welcome to World Today News. Your extensive research on china’s evolving power dynamics makes you uniquely positioned to shed light on Crystal Weber’s award-winning research and the broader implications of China’s strategic approach. Could you begin by summarizing the key takeaway from Ms.Weber’s findings regarding China’s shift from soft power to hard power?
Dr. Petrova: Certainly. Ms. Weber’s work astutely highlights a critical trend in China’s foreign policy: the nuanced interplay between what Joseph Nye famously termed “soft power” and “hard power.” Her research indicates a perceptible shift, not necessarily a complete abandonment, of soft power strategies – such as cultural diplomacy and media influence – in favor of a more assertive projection of hard power, which includes military expansion and economic coercion. This isn’t a straightforward transition; it’s more of a recalibration, a strategic adjustment based on perceived needs and evolving global dynamics. China’s leadership likely views the increased use of hard power as a necessary tool to achieve its geopolitical objectives in a rapidly changing world.
interviewer: This shift towards hard power has meaningful global implications. Can you elaborate on the potential consequences of this evolving strategy?
Dr.Petrova: Absolutely. The increased reliance on hard power by China carries several consequences.It can lead to increased international tensions, especially in regions were China’s interests clash with those of established powers. This assertive posture has the potential to destabilize existing regional alliances and create new power vacuums. As a notable example, China’s activities in the South China Sea, its Belt and Road Initiative’s infrastructure projects in Africa and elsewhere, and its increasingly robust military presence globally are all manifestations of this shift. Understanding the nuances of hard power projection is crucial for other nations to formulate effective counterstrategies or engagement policies.
Interviewer: ms. weber’s research also touched upon the concept of soft power as articulated by Joseph Nye. Given its decreasing influence in China’s overall strategy, does soft power still hold relevance in the 21st-century geopolitical landscape?
Dr. Petrova: While China might be emphasizing hard power more demonstrably, soft power remains a potent tool in international relations. It’s a long game, an ongoing cultivation of cultural influence and positive perceptions; a nation’s ability to attract and persuade, as opposed to simply command and control, is a significant factor determining its global standing. Even for a nation prioritizing hard power, maintaining a reasonable level of soft power ensures smoother long-term strategic objectives. Think of countries like Japan and South Korea, who utilize ‘soft power’ for cultural outreach – influencing global trends in areas ranging from tech to media. This creates a positive global perception that compliments their economic and political hard power projection.
Interviewer: The Royce International symposium brought together students and experts to discuss these vrey complex issues. What is the value in fostering dialog among academics, policymakers, and the next generation of leaders on these topics?
Dr. Petrova: The symposium’s approach of bringing together diverse voices — students presenting cutting-edge research alongside seasoned policymakers and experts — is invaluable. This intergenerational dialogue ensures ongoing debate and analysis critical to understanding the ever-shifting global landscape. It’s essential to nurture critical thinking and informed policymaking through the fusion of theoretical perspectives and practical experience, allowing for a deeper, more nuanced examination of complex topics, like China’s strategic shift. We need future leaders who can anticipate and react intelligently,not only towards hard power challenges but through a better understanding of both hard and soft power techniques .
Interviewer: what are some key takeaways for our readers about China’s evolving power strategy and its implications for the global community?
Dr. petrova: Here are three crucial points to remember about China’s strategic recalibration:
- The shift is a strategic adjustment, not a complete abandonment. china still utilizes soft power tools,albeit perhaps with less emphasis than previously.
- Understanding China’s evolving strategy requires a nuanced approach. It’s not simply a binary choice between soft and hard power, but a complex interplay of both.
- Global implications are vast and far-reaching. This shift necessitates careful consideration and the development of appropriate responses from other nations, fostering balanced engagement and diplomatic efforts.
It is imperative for the international community to understand and respond effectively to this multifaceted evolution, ensuring stability and promoting peaceful cooperation in an increasingly complex global habitat. Thank you.
Interviewer: Thank you, Dr. Petrova, for your insightful perspective. Readers, please share your thoughts and opinions on China’s evolving power strategy in the comments below! Let’s keep the dialogue going on this critical topic.