China's top educators grapple with unprecedented challenges to Poli Sci and International Relations
Consensus of leading political scientists and IR scholars at key forum over future of their disciplines
Introduction
Almost all universities in the Chinese mainland, including every prestigious one, are state-operated. The Ministry of Education of China sets nationwide categories for academic disciplines at Chinese universities.
To manage this, the Ministry has implemented a three-tier system to categorize all academic disciplines within Chinese universities into 14 学科门类 Fields of Disciplines: Philosophy, Economics, Law, Education, Literature, History, Science, Engineering, Agriculture, Medicine, Management, Military Science, Art, and Interdisciplinary Studies. Each field of discipline encompasses 一级学科 Major Disciplines, which further include various 二级学科 Minor Disciplines.
For instance, the Field of Laws, one of the 14 Fields of Disciplines, includes the Major Discipline of Political Science, which encompasses minor disciplines such as Political Science Theory, History of the Communist Party of China, Marxist Theory, Ideological and Political Education, International Politics, International Relations, and Diplomacy, etc. In practice, if you major in International Relations or Marxist Theory at a Chinese university, the academic certificate you receive, as ordered by the Ministry of Education, will show you have a Bachelor of Laws.
This classification system plays a crucial role in shaping the academic landscape of Chinese universities, significantly influencing department structures, faculty titles, funding allocations, and publication opportunities.
In 2020, the Ministry of Education introduced a new Field of Discipline named "Interdisciplinary Studies," which includes, among others, a Major Discipline called 国家安全学 "National Securities Studies." In September 2022, the ministry made 区域国别学 "Area Studies" another Major Discipline under "Interdisciplinary Studies."
As a result, universities are now obligated to adjust their academic priorities and reallocate resources accordingly, reflecting the enhanced status of the newly elevated discipline and implementing the will of the government.
The following is the summary of a recent forum, held on December 2, 2023 at Tsinghua University, of China's leading educators in Poli Sci and International Relations grappling with the changes, provided to The East is Read by Professor Yan Xuetong, Director of the Institute of International Studies, Tsinghua University. The summary is also publicly available on a WeChat blog. - Zichen Wang and Yuxuan Jia
时代之变：政治学与国际关系学科建设的挑战与方向
—2023年清华政治学与国际关系学科发展论坛综述
The Shift of Times: Challenges and Directions of Advancement in Political Science and International Relations Disciplines
— An Overview of the 2023 Tsinghua Forum on the Development of Political Science and International Relations
In recent years, spurred by shifting socio-economic development and evolving restructuring of disciplines, the disciplines of Political Science (Poli sci) and International Relations (IR) have encountered unprecedented challenges and opportunities, and the future trajectory of discipline development emerges as an urgent issue to address.
In 2020 and 2022, the Academic Degrees Commission of the State Council and the Ministry of Education announced the inclusion of National Security Studies and Area Studies as major disciplines into the field of Interdisciplinary Disciplines respectively. This marked a significant restructuring and integration of the disciplines of Poli sci and IR. Concurrently, there is a gradual contraction in the scale of these disciplines, a decrease in the number of schools participating in the China Discipline Evaluation [a nationwide ranking program of university disciplines by the China Academic Degrees and Graduate Education Development Centre under the Ministry of Education], as well as reductions in faculty and student numbers. These shifts have prompted extensive and in-depth discussions within the academic community about the structuring of disciplines, their focus, and how to train future scholars.
It was against this backdrop that on December 2, 2023, the School of Social Sciences, the Department of International Relations, and the Department of Political Science at Tsinghua University jointly hosted the "2023 Forum on the Development of Political Science and International Relations." 32 faculty leaders and scholars of Poli sci and IR from 20 prestigious institutions—including Tsinghua University, Peking University, Renmin University of China, the Central Party School of the Communist Party of China, University of International Business and Economics, Beijing Foreign Studies University, China Foreign Affairs University, Beijing Language and Culture University, Nankai University, Nanjing University, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shandong University, Sun Yat-sen University, Tongji University, Sichuan University, East China University of Political Science and Law, Central China Normal University, Zhengzhou University, Jinan University, and Tianjin Normal University—participated in this forum.
The opening ceremony of the forum was presided over by Prof. Zhao Kejin, Vice Dean of the School of Social Sciences at Tsinghua University. Prof. Yang Yongheng, Director of the Office of Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences Administration at Tsinghua University, delivered the opening remarks. Scholars engaged in lively discussions on topics such as "challenges facing the development of Poli sci and IR," "directions for discipline development in the New Era," "establishment of an independent knowledge system in the disciplines of Poli sci and IR," and "objectives for talent cultivation in Poli sci and IR." The summary below encapsulates the key viewpoints shared during the forum.
Challenges Facing the Development of Political Science and International Relations Disciplines
Scholars explored the challenges facing the development of Poli sci and IR based on the unique characteristics and current situations of these disciplines at their respective universities. They addressed pivotal issues including "restructuring of disciplines," "opening up internationally and specialization of the disciplines," "the relationship between politics and academic research," and the emergence of 学术网红 "influencers masquerading as scholars."
Prof. Yan Xuetong, Distinguished Professor in Humanities and Dean of the Institute of International Relations at Tsinghua University, emphasized the urgent need to tackle the practical challenge of discipline development amidst obstacles facing Poli sci and IR in China. He identified three prevailing dilemmas in the current development of IR and Poli sci:
A contraction in the scale of these disciplines, leading to continuously reduced societal impact.
A decline in openness internationally and a growing gap in academic excellence from international peers, even though international exchanges remain essential for their development.
A decrease in the rigor and specialization of these disciplines, as evaluations based on academic contribution declined.
Prof. Wu Xiaolin, Vice Dean of the Zhou Enlai School of Government at Nankai University, articulated four key concerns about the development of Poli sci and IR.
The restructuring has led to the fragmentation of traditional Poli sci. This has not only precipitated a developmental crisis in traditional disciplines but has also resulted in the restriction of enrollment quotas and academic resources. However, from a broader perspective, one can optimistically view it as the expansion of disciplines.
The increasing focus on employment and income has diminished the attractiveness of humanities and social sciences.
Despite a decrease in international academic exchanges, maintaining active international engagement is crucial, as the development of a discipline cannot be isolated from the international community.
The emergence of so-called "influencers" within Poli sci and IR raises concerns, as they could potentially skew public opinions and perceptions of the disciplines. Therefore, Wu stressed the importance of adhering to academic standards and maintaining professional integrity within these fields.
In terms of focus and positioning, managing the relationship between Poli sci and IR and other disciplines, particularly traditional ones like Marxism and public administration, as well as emerging ones such as Area Studies and National Security Studies, has become a central issue among scholars.
Prof. Tang Shiqi, Dean of the School of International Studies at Peking University, observed that ongoing transformations within disciplines have significantly impacted their focus. As institutions and universities increasingly shift their attention toward disciplines like National Security Studies or International Affairs, the growth of Poli sci and IR is encountering heightened pressures.
Prof. Hu Zongshan, Dean of the School of Politics and International Relations at Central China Normal University, highlighted the challenges facing the development of Poli sci and IR as scholars increasingly move towards fields such as Marxism and public administration. Additionally, a decline in academic publications and a lack of specialization within the Poli sci and IR disciplines also pose significant obstacles. He argued that only through enhancing specialization can the continuous development of Poli sci and IR be secured, lest they become characterized by 假大空 "fake, grand, and empty."
Prof. Liu Changming, Dean of the School of Northeast Asia Studies at Shandong University, also addressed this topic. He highlighted the blurred boundaries between Poli sci and other disciplines as a primary factor hindering the development of Poli sci. He stressed the importance of clearly delineating which issues should be tackled by Poli sci and which should be handled by other disciplines such as public administration or Marxism. Furthermore, he noted that the scarcity of theoretical innovation is a significant challenge for the development of Poli sci, as many textbooks continue to rely on outdated theories that are ineffective in addressing contemporary societal issues.
Moreover, some scholars engaged in discussions surrounding the specific challenges encountered in the development of Poli sci and IR disciplines at their respective institutions.
Prof. Xie Tao, Dean of the School of International Relations and Diplomacy at Beijing Foreign Studies University, detailed the practical difficulties at their institution. He noted the suspension of undergraduate programs in Poli sci and public administration at Beijing Foreign Studies University, coupled with the rise of area studies, has posed significant challenges to the advancement of the Poli sci and IR disciplines. In this context, deciding whether to maintain the traditional IR discipline has become a difficult decision.
Prof. Huang Qixuan, Associate Dean of the School of International and Public Affairs at Shanghai Jiao Tong University, outlined two primary challenges in their discipline development, along with proposed solutions.
Maintaining a delicate balance between organized research and academic autonomy. He expressed concern that an excessive emphasis on organized research could burden young faculty members and stifle individual innovation. Therefore, he advocated providing faculty members with opportunities for independent exploration while they are put in organized research.
Discipline development should not occur in isolation but must include a push for opening up internationally, particularly through enhancing publication in international journals and producing high-quality books.
Prof. Yu Li, Associate Dean of the School of Politics and Public Administration at Zhengzhou University, shared insights from the arduous journey of developing the Poli sci discipline at her university. She proposed a discipline development strategy that uses Poli sci as the foundation, supported by interdisciplinary studies, and encouraged her colleagues to face the challenges of discipline development with responsibility and confidence.
Prof. Wei Ling, Secretary of Party Committee of the School of International Relations at University of International Business and Economics, discussed the opportunities and challenges of developing disciplines at her university. She noted that the integration of resources and support for key projects, such as the major disciplines promotion funds and the Computing Laboratory for National Security (CLNS), has established a strong foundation for discipline development. However, she also identified significant challenges, including the potential shrinkage of traditional disciplines due to restructuring of disciplines and dual pressures on enrollment capacity and educational resources resulting from restrictions on student and faculty numbers.
The Directions for Discipline Development in the New Era
Scholars provided valuable insights and experiences on enhancing the disciplines of Poli sci and IR in the new era, focusing on future directions for their development. There was a universal agreement on adopting an international approach to promote these disciplines, improve standards, and encourage professionalism while rejecting trends in favor of money and vanity as well as the pursuit of becoming influencers on the Internet. They emphasized that theoretical and methodological innovation is crucial for deepening the development of these fields. These perspectives collectively form the core consensus on the development of the disciplines among the participating scholars.
Prof. Yan Xuetong from Tsinghua University advocated for four crucial principles for the future development of Poli sci and IR.
Following the fundamental principle of opening up internationally, encouraging collaborative education programs, international exchanges, and publishing in international journals. Guard against the trend that seeks to legitimatize closing the door to opening up.
Maintaining high academic standards, keeping significant distance from the ecosystem of online influencers, enhancing professional awareness and capabilities, and prioritizing the education of students.
Upholding scholarly rigor, rejecting propaganda in academic publications and the use of mass media publications as criteria for evaluation and promotion.
Encouraging specialization among scholars and opposing the phenomenon of "pseudo-intellectual" masquerading as know-it-all, unfounded viewpoints, and sensationalism in academic output.
Prof. Huang Qixuan from Shanghai Jiao Tong University also introduced three principles for the development of the disciplines.
Encouraging interdisciplinary integration and collaboration within Poli sci, nurturing promising scholars in this field.
Adhering to methodology-driven and scientific research.
Maintaining an international vision and aligning the discipline landscape with strategic demands in a timely manner to contribute to the establishment of China's independent knowledge system.
Prof. Zhao Kejin from Tsinghua University provided three suggestions for enhancing the disciplines.
Emphasizing the quality of development, ensuring domestic and international impact and reputation, even amidst an overall decline in the scale of the disciplines.
Emphasizing innovation in theory, the cornerstone for sustainable development of disciplines.
Promoting integrated development across disciplines, as updates to traditional methods through interdisciplinary integrations becomes increasingly important when digitalization disrupts many theories of the industrial age.
Prof. Di Dongsheng, Vice Dean of the School of International Studies at Renmin University of China, asserted against pessimism in the face of challenges, seeing opportunities within crises. He observed that Poli sci is on the brink of an upward turn in its development cycle. In a time increasingly characterized by pragmatism, he underscored the critical importance of sustaining the academic and theoretical development of the discipline. He puts forward three suggestions.
Highlighting the importance of textbook knowledge, and recognizing students' foremost duty of learning.
Guarding against the seduction of becoming influencers and emphasizing the professionalism of scholarly research.
Establishing a conducive learning environment to solidify students' basic knowledge in their disciplines.
Prof. Zhu Feng, Executive Dean of the School of International Relations at Nanjing University, recognized the significant national strategic demands on IR amidst "changes unseen in a century," along with inherent driving forces for promoting an independent IR discipline. He shared Nanjing University's experience in developing the IR discipline, which involves the basic discipline of Poli sci and its branch, international politics, as well as area studies. He emphasized that area studies contain not only historical and language studies, but should also encompass a wide range of fields such as culture and society. He advocated for selecting foundational theories for the future development of area studies, urging that these theories be grounded in social science perspectives.
Prof. Men Honghua, Dean of the School of Politics and International Relations of Tongji University, put forward a development strategy for the disciplines based on Tongji University's experience. This strategy focuses on promoting first-class faculty, underpinned by a high-quality talent education system, guided by signature research outputs, and supported by comprehensive international exchanges and cooperation. He highlighted that strategic studies, particularly strategic studies on China, should be central to discipline advancement. He emphasized the importance of nurturing strategic talents who possess historical and theoretical knowledge, professional expertise, international vision, and practical capabilities. Additionally, he stressed the need to establish a platform that integrates research, teaching, and consultation functions, pursue national rejuvenation amid significant global changes, deepen cooperation with ministries, and promote the discipline with the goal of leading China's strategic development, focusing on the country's modernization, strengthening think tank development, and serving the strategic needs of the nation.
Prof. Wu Zhicheng, the Vice Dean of the Institute of International Strategic Studies at the Central Party School of the Communist Party of China, highlighted the role of scholars in Poli sci and IR as pioneers of academic research, pacesetters of the social ethos, and staunch supporters of the Chinese modernization. He emphasized the importance of focusing on the theoretical, systematic, and concise transformation of knowledge, treating science with a scientific attitude, and developing academia in an academic manner. He called for integrating new ideas, thoughts, and strategies into the discipline system to support these goals.
Establishment of an Independent Knowledge System in Poli sci and IR
Establishing an independent knowledge system has become a core topic within the field of Chinese philosophy and social sciences. While the independent knowledge system in the field of Poli sci (including public administration, International Relations, and diplomatic theory) is maturing within the national context, its global influence is still limited. Building China's independent knowledge system in Poli sci and IR is pivotal not only for fostering academic autonomy and innovation but also for enhancing the international stature of these disciplines. Faced with this challenge, several scholars have put forth their insights and proposals aimed at not just innovating autonomously in Poli sci and IR theories but also in applying these theories practically and broadening their international reach.
Prof. Zhao Kejin identified three essential conditions for building China’s independent knowledge system in Poli sci and IR.
Academic autonomy. He argued that true independence in knowledge systems can only be achieved when scholars produce academic outcomes independently.
Ethical consciousness. He urged scholars and knowledge producers to maintain high ethical standards, strengthen their resolve, and avoid actions that hinder knowledge innovation and development.
Expanded international exchanges and collaborations. He advocated for the "going out" of Chinese scholars and their work while also attracting foreign scholars to contribute to telling China’s stories and conducting research on China-related topics.
Prof. Tong Dezhi, Vice President of Tianjin Normal University, emphasizes that the success of establishing China's independent knowledge system lies in integrating knowledge systems with discipline development. He believes that a clear definition of the concepts and propositions in Poli sci is a prerequisite for building the independent knowledge system of this discipline. It is necessary to emphasize the combination of universality and particularity, meaning the independent knowledge system relies on the knowledge of Political Science worldwide and the unique realities of China.
Prof. Tan Ankui, Dean of the School of Government at Sun Yat-sen University, believed that the independent knowledge system in Poli sci should be grounded in a comprehensive understanding of the existing knowledge system, and transform these practical experiences into theoretical knowledge through interdisciplinary research and exchanges between Poli sci and other disciplines through innovation in theory, taking into account practical issues and experiences unique to China.
Prof. Xie Tao argued that a critical aspect of building an independent knowledge system for Chinese Poli sci involves transforming political discourse into academic discourse. He stresses the importance of promoting this academic discourse on the international stage to facilitate dialogues with the global academic community. He also emphasizes the significance of internationalization on the higher education level as a crucial precondition for developing an independent knowledge system in China.
Prof. Meng Tianguang, Vice Dean of the School of Social Sciences at Tsinghua University, outlines three crucial relationships that need attention in establishing an independent knowledge system.
The relationship between Chinese social sciences and International social sciences, namely the relationships between particularity and universality. He highlighted the need for the system to not only engage with but also influence the future development of global social sciences.
The relationship between theory and practice. The independent knowledge system of Poli sci is the result of theory-building from the observations of Chinese practices. Hence, it is vital to advance the teaching of the discipline's academic knowledge and simultaneously address practical issues to remain connected and relevant.
The relationship between political discourse and academic discourse. The challenge is to distinguish and coordinate these discourses effectively to prevent ambiguity in concepts that can arise from their rigid application.
Prof. Ren Yong, Dean of the School of Government at East China University of Political Science and Law, acknowledged significant opportunities for advancement in Poli sci research, particularly concerning new practices and experiences in Chinese governance. Citing the "Fengqiao Experience" in the New Era as an example, he suggests that future research in Chinese Poli sci should be contextualized within the changes in the Chinese economy and social landscape. He advocates for engaging in proactive communications with Western governance systems, aiming to advance research and an independent knowledge system in China's Poli sci.
Goals for Talent Development in Poli sci and IR
Talent development is the cornerstone of the development of Poli sci and IR. It is also a key topic of discussion among the scholars in attendance.
Prof. Tang Shiqi proposed that talent development should aim to produce internationalized students proficient in interdisciplinary research who also meet the nation's needs. He supported maintaining an exam-oriented approach to assess students' academic performance and emphasized the evaluation of students' professional qualities.
Prof. Zhu Feng stressed the critical need to equip students with international perspectives and global awareness in the current era of globalization. He particularly underscored the need for high-quality foreign language education, especially English training for undergraduate students. He also recommended that students be encouraged to participate in internships at international organizations and engage in international exchange programs.
Prof. Hu Zongshan emphasized that talent cultivation is the top priority for discipline development, which now demands higher standards and quality. He shared two key practices at Central China Normal University in student training.
Fostering students' research interests and capabilities through faculty-led student research teams.
Improving students' academic writing skills and enhancing their overall research capabilities through short-term training led by academic faculty.
Drawing on teaching practices at Tsinghua University, Prof. Zhao Kejin introduced a dual-track strategy for talent training in Poli sci and IR.
The "luxury" track, which involves significant investment in students who show profound potential and expertise and encouraging participation from students with diverse academic backgrounds in Poli sci and IR
The "normal" track, which focuses on enhancing general education for all students regardless of their disciplines, offering more opportunities for those interested in Poli sci and IR to deepen their understanding and knowledge of the field.
Building upon Prof. Zhao's framework, Prof. Yan Xuetong further differentiated the philosophies and objectives of undergraduate and graduate education. He posited that undergraduate education should center on holistic and competence-oriented education, aimed at instilling conscience and integrity in students, encouraging them to contribute to social justice and moral development, and avoid unethical behavior. Master's education should focus on career development, emphasizing the teaching of research methods to enhance students' logical and scientific reasoning, thereby boosting their competitiveness in the job market. Doctoral education should adhere to the "luxury" track, dedicated to nurturing students committed to scientific truth and academic pursuits, while also helping them resist the allure of power and money.
Prof. Men Honghua emphasized the uniqueness of talent cultivation in Poli sci and IR. He advocated for fostering positive interactions between basic courses and interdisciplinary knowledge, between institutional rigidity and managerial flexibility, between undergraduate and graduate education, and between scientific research and teaching. In this process, attention should be paid to nurturing academic talents through integrated programs that span undergraduate, master's, and doctoral levels. Concurrently, it is also crucial to focus on the well-rounded development of students, such as enhancing ideological and political education as well as an international perspective and improving students' capabilities to conduct quality research.
Prof. Sun Xuefeng, Executive Deputy Dean of the Institute of International Relations at Tsinghua University, stressed the importance of maintaining academic orientation in doctoral theses, highlighting that it is crucial to resist undue external influence and foster talent cultivation. By upholding high academic standards for doctoral theses, the integrity and quality of the journals and the knowledge system within the field can be maintained, which in turn supports a positive cycle of discipline advancement and talent development.
Facing the rapid development of artificial intelligence, Prof. Han Zhaoying, Director of the Library, and Professor of Zhou Enlai School of Government, Nankai University, called for a transformation in the models of talent cultivation to address the challenges posed by Artificial Intelligence (AI). He argued that the current talent cultivation model in China is primarily based on knowledge feeding or information relay. In the context of rapid AI technology development, this "information porter" approach no longer aligns with the overall trend of societal evolution. He advocates for the reform of talent cultivation models, emphasizing the development of skills in students that AI cannot replace, such as thinking and research abilities, and focusing on nurturing students' critical capabilities and scientific research methodologies.
Conclusion
Against the backdrop of profound changes and challenges in the current landscape of discipline advancement, scholars in attendance actively offered counsel on the trajectory of discipline development, presented their insights, and reached a consensus. It was unanimously agreed that the development of Poli sci and IR should uphold professionalism and academic integrity, adhere to openness, ensure the quality and standards of talent cultivation, enhance the attraction of the disciplines, and strive to achieve a balance between policy advisory and academic development.
Prof. Tang Xiaoyang, Dean of the Department of International Relations at Tsinghua University, concluded the forum by addressing the evolution in the development of Poli sci and IR. He stressed the imperative to learn from each other and explore new routes of development together. He noted that in this process, new paths for discipline advancement may emerge, and while not all newly emerging paths might lead to success, they nonetheless are worth exploring. He further emphasized that although the current development of the disciplines is fraught with challenges, the strong national demand for Poli sci also presents many opportunities. At the same time, he cautioned against becoming ensnared in purely theoretical research and advocated for a balance between theory and practice. In closing, he expressed gratitude to attending scholars for their contributions and encouraged them to use this forum as a platform for continued in-depth discussions and exchanges, aiming to lay a solid foundation for the future development of the disciplines.
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