Occasional Paper  

The Seven Sons of National Defense

In his latest occasional paper, Dan Murphy explores whether partnering with these universities is advisable given the national security implications. Murphy argues that while caution is warranted, American universities should not shy away from all potential collaborations with the Seven Sons.

Cover photo of the report

The seven Chinese universities, collectively referred to as the Seven Sons of National Defence, hold a unique position among academic institutions. Although they are not military academies, they are also distinct from typical civilian universities. Their close affiliation with China’s Ministry of Industry and Information Technology has raised concerns about potential security risks associated with collaborating with these schools.

In his latest occasional paper titled The Seven Sons of National Defense, Dan Murphy, Executive Director of the Mossavar-Rahmani Center for Business and Government, explores whether partnering with these universities is advisable given the national security implications. Murphy argues that while caution is warranted, American universities should not shy away from all potential collaborations with the Seven Sons.

“American universities benefit enormously from international collaboration, and navigating these relationships thoughtfully is crucial to balancing academic integrity with national security and ethical concerns,” writes Murphy. 

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