Fulbright Scholar Dr. Jijun Ran Will Speak on campus on Feb. 7

Fulbright Visiting Scholar Dr. Jijun Ran will present, "Dragon and Eagle in Africa: Comparing China and America's Influences in Africa," from 11 a.m. to noon on Feb. 7 in Room 4380 at the Texas Township Campus.

Dr. Ran is the 2017-2018 Fulbright visiting scholar affiliated to SAIS of Johns Hopkins University. He earned his PHD from Peking University, China in 2009 and now is an associate professor and director of American Studies Program of China Foreign Affairs University and also a research fellow of National Institute of Strategic Communication.

Dr. Ran’s academic interests are focused on comparative studies between China and the United States. He has published two monographs and co-authored three books and contributed four book chapters concerning media relations between China, the U.S. and Africa. He has also published about 20 papers on peer-reviewed journals exploring the interactions between media, nation and society and delivered presentations on the relevant issues.

Proceeding from a historical review of the interactions between China and the U.S. on the arena of Africa since 1949, this lecture aims to formulate a theory underpinning the decision-making mechanisms of both countries regarding their African policies and the trajectories of their evolution and then a substantive comparison will be made with regard to the influences of the two countries in Africa. This lecture aims to answer the following questions:
1) What are the essential elements shaping the African policy making process of China and the U.S.?
2) What is the strategic significance of Africa in the political landscapes of China and America?
3) Are the games between China and the U.S. in Africa zero-sum or win-win games?

Presented by the Kalamazoo Valley Community College International Studies Program.