Project Overview

Buying Influence: Analyzing Chinese Outsourced Foreign Propaganda in Asia

Faculty Sponsor

Frances Wang (fywang@colgate.edu)

Department(s)

Social Sciences
Political Science

Abstract

The task is to compile a list of foreign agents in Taiwan, the Philippines and Singapore hired by the Chinese government to shape political narratives in these countries/areas. This comprises part of a larger research project that endeavors to understand China’s strategic outsourcing of its foreign propaganda initiatives within Asia. By leveraging local, specialized agents, China seeks to amplify its regional power and influence. The expected outcome of the student's research is to map China’s propaganda network, pinpointing local agents involved in its outsourcing practices. This includes carrying out a literature review on China’s partnerships with local PR firms, lobbying firms, polling companies, target country media, pro-China organizations, overseas Chinese communities, and supporting institutions. Under the guidance of the faculty member, the student will carry out online research to compile a list of relevant agencies and look for their documents, including yearbooks, gazetteers, internal publications, white papers, budgets, job ads, foreign agent transparency acts, or contracts, and prepare a list of interested persons/organizations for further field research. Students may be invited to participate in future field research. 

Student Qualifications

Political science or international relations major; average GPA 3.7 and above; relevant research experience on China/East Asia/foreign propaganda desired. Chinese/Philipino language ability a plus. 

Number of Student Researchers

2 students

Project Length

10 weeks


Applications open on 10/03/2023 and close on 02/28/2024


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If you have questions, please contact Karyn Belanger (kgbelanger@colgate.edu).