Image Courtesy: Asia Exchange
Issue Brief: 3/2025
C3S launched its Issue Brief initiative. An issue brief is a summary of the knowledge surrounding an issue or a problem. It summarizes the issue by giving clear, concise, and complete information describing all facets of a particular issue including a detailed illustration in the form of images, data, and facts. It also includes recommendations for action and predictions on the future course of an issue.
Abstract:
This study examines the role of Confucius Institutes (CIs) in South Asia as a strategic component of China’s soft power diplomacy. Education has historically been a channel for culture and identity, and forms the basis for nationalism across the globe (Bénéï 2007). Advancing foreign policy objectives and shifting ideologies through education is a key approach towards international outreach. CIs represent a significant extension of China’s international outreach. With international partnerships, exchange programs and carefully curated curricula, this analysis explores how CIs shape perceptions of Chinese culture, language and influence geopolitical dynamics, particularly in India, Nepal and Pakistan, given their current political contexts.
By integrating insights from historical studies as well as emerging contemporary literature from the field of China Studies, the study investigates the dynamics of China’s foray into educational diplomacy. By drawing comparative studies and data analysis, it considers differing attitudes and receptions to these policies, influenced by their own socio-political landscapes and bilateral relations with China. These findings contribute to understanding how China uses educational initiatives through CIs to align its diplomacy efforts with geopolitical interests in South Asia. The research emphasises the importance of education in international relations and its implications for the evolving power dynamics in the region.
Read the full Issue Brief at this link:
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