ABSTRACT
This introduction presents an overview of key concepts discussed in the subsequent chapters of this book. The book explores American students involved in Chinese-funded US programs, and on interviews and focuses on conversations with US university stakeholders and members of university communities. Several partner universities within Eastern Rapids University’s state-wide system of public higher education institutions have authorized university staff and faculty to work with Confucius Institutes. Alumni from more than one US higher education institution, have intimated they will withhold donations should their alma mater partner with the Hanban, for they regard the People’s Republic of China (PRC) Ministry of Education as an ideological arm of the illegitimate communist state. The flexible citizenship and economic globalization about which Ong, Collier, and others write works to the advantage of individuals who are already well connected, including in and through institutions of higher education. The book focuses specifically on Confucius Institutes, which are designed to teach Chinese language and culture to broad campus communities.
