KAVYAA KANNAN
The intersection of education and nationalistic ideology has long been a contested area in several disciplines. Education not only serves as an influence and a tool in shaping national identity, but also shapes international diplomatic relations and strategy. This dual role is highlighted in several studies across international relations, economics, law, business management, history, and sociology (cf. Bénéï 2007, Peterson et al. 2001, Kipnis 2011). China uses educational diplomacy as a strategic tool on several fronts; enabling cross-country cultural and technology exchanges, and allowing for diplomatic relations and infrastructural projects (Jain 2021). Establishing Confucius Institutes (CIs) in other countries, is a key strategic move that China frequently employs in order to facilitate cross-country exchanges. The use of higher education to promote a series of multifaceted goals leads to the creation of a system of education wherein cultural, nation-branding pedagogies are emphasised, while at the same time it acts as a step towards achieving their more comprehensive long-term developmental goals.
In South Asia, the presence of Confucius Institutes reflects an effort by China to extend its soft power and influence in the region. Often considered another upcoming superpower, India is one of China’s competitors in the economic and technological realm. On the other hand, China is making major inroads in terms of strategic relations with Nepal and Pakistan through projects such as the Belt-and-Road Initiative and the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (Curtis et al. 2024, Gupta 2023). Analysing the role of Confucius Institutes in South Asian countries, while examining their impact as tools of soft power in advancing China’s national interests provides valuable insights into geopolitical challenges and differences that affect perceptions of the region. This article aims to integrate insights from historical studies as well as emerging contemporary literature from the field of China Studies to investigate the dynamics of China’s foray into educational diplomacy and emphasise the importance of education in international relations and its implications for the evolving power dynamics in the region.
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