Occasional Paper
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.
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.
Q+A
Ning Leng, Assistant Professor at the McCourt School of Public Policy at Georgetown University, and former postdoc at the Rajawali Foundation Institute for Asia, answers questions on her newly released book Politicizing Business: How Firms Are Made to Serve the Party-State in China, exploring politics, economy and authoritarian institutions in China.
Case Study
In a new study for the Middle Powers Project, C. Raja Mohan assesses how India’s national ascent towards global influence faces developmental constraints, maintaining that the country must balance ties with China and the United States to harness its economic potential and situate itself as a leader in the Global South. The Middle Powers Project is in collaboration with the Belfer Center for Science and International Affairs.
Case Study
In a new study for the Middle Powers Project, Oliver Stuenkel explains how Brazil’s self-perception as a “giant by nature” advances its foreign policy with a strategy of multi‑alignment. As Brazil strives to balance relationships with both China and the United States and solidify its roles in BRICS and the G20, the country’s autonomy is pressured by great-power rivalry and its regional influence remains limited. The Middle Powers Project is in collaboration with the Belfer Center for Science and International Affairs.
