Maxwell School News and Commentary

"The Trumpers have this idea that we‘re going to bring supply chains back home, and that is not going to happen, so where are we going?" Many Americans "don’t want to deal with a communist country that they don’t understand, with human rights positions they don’t approve of, to put it mildly," says Mary Lovely, professor of economics. 

"Most Americans do not necessarily view their problems with China as having much to do with their problems domestically," says Yingyi Ma, associate professor of sociology, for the  South China Morning Post.

"I worry that this potentially undermines Chinese students’ learning opportunities," says Yingyi Ma, associate professor of sociology, about U.S. university faculty members suggesting that Chinese students wait to enroll in certain courses until they can return to campus for in-person instruction.

The torrent of anti-Chinese rhetoric by the Trump administration recently has been countered by much softer actions, as the administration attempts to "thread the needle" of looking tough heading into the election while having the Chinese continue to purchase U.S. goods, says Mary Lovely, professor of economics.

University Professor Jim Steinberg analyzes, "the United States—for a long time—has viewed India through highly instrumental lenses...the question is, whether that will now change, and whether India will be more willing to be a partner with the United States in an across the board, new Cold War with China."

"Even if they buy huge amounts, they’re not going to be on target," says Professor Mary Lovely about U.S. exports to China.

Dimitar Gueorguiev, assistant professor of political science, and his co-authors, emphasizes the need to protect data security, provide risk disclosure to students, promote open discussion while ensuring student safety, respect instructor autonomy, and offer support and guidance to students and faculty facing repercussions for engaging in sensitive content.

 Daniel McDowell, associate professor of political science, argues that that the more the U.S. wields its unmatched financial power, the less it may have left.

"I think Trump is a little afraid that this triumph of his will be hung around his neck, but more purchases and a bit of a delay would clearly help," says Mary Lovely, professor of economics.

Chinese students in the U.S. are now "politicised and marginalised at an unprecedented level," as Washington is sending "very unfriendly signals," says Yingyi Ma, associate professor of sociology.