UML Professors Visit University in China

Don Leonard, Prof. Emeritus Dean Bergeron, Assoc. Prof. Shehong Chenand  and Asst. Prof. Aart Holtslag recently visited URI in Beijing.

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Prof. Emeritus Dean Bergeron of the History and Political Science Departments, Assoc. Prof. Shehong Chen of the History Department and Asst. Prof. Aart Holtslag of the Political Science Department recently visited the University of International Relations (UIR) in Beijing, China. The trio was accompanied by UML alumnus and Cornell University Ph.D. candidate Don Leonard.

UIR, one of the first institutions in China to accept foreign students, has trained thousands of students from more than 70 countries in international relations. Programs focus on languages, law, international economics and trade, information management and administration.

While visiting, Bergeron taught a class on American foreign policy throughout history. He also gave a public lecture on current U.S. foreign policies in relation to the Turner thesis, which was an argument surrounding the western frontier created by Frederick Jackson Turner in 1893.

Chen taught a class on the role of the military-industrial complex in American foreign policy. For her public lecture, Chen explored an ideological foundation in American diplomatic history.

Holtslag taught a class about non-governmental organizations, and his lecture focused on the role of non-state actors in international politics.

Along with teaching and lecturing, the professors observed a Model United Nations Club competition organized by the students of UIR, and advised the local Model United Nations Club.

"The hospitality of the people at UIR was incredible," says Holtslag. "Our lectures were well attended and spurred discussions with students and faculty that were only ended because security had to close the building. The commitment, intellect and spontaneity of the students was refreshing, especially the students of the Model United Nations Organization, which was a delightful group.  All in all it was a fascinating trip that asks for follow-up visits."

Later in the trip, the UML visitors stopped by a high school in Jiading, where they met with students and school administrators. With both the high school and URI expressing interest in future cooperation and exchanges, it seems the UML team of professors has opened a new door to possibility.

Leonard, Holtslag, Bergeron and Chenand with faculty and staff from URI.