China Open-Source Research Course for Rising China Specialists
“This course will greatly benefit me both personally and professionally. As a younger China specialist, I learned about research design and methodologies and how I can be more accurate and confident in my methodologies. It also connected me with a community of young specialists struggling with similar challenges in conducting open-source research. I hope this course will be offered again in the future for other young China specialists.“
—China Open-Source Research Course participant
Through a combination of traditional and innovative open-source research techniques and methods—from parsing and interpreting authoritative documents or satellite imagery, to applying forensic procedures and other analytical tools—the China Open-Source Research Course for Rising China Specialists ensures the participants’ sustained ability to conduct research despite increasing barriers.
Against the backdrop of intensifying strategic competition between the United States and the People’s Republic of China (PRC), access to knowledge and data materials in and from China is an essential component of informed policymaking. However, tightening censorship, heightened control of information flows, and restrictions on scholarly and people-to-people exchanges, pose unique yet familiar challenges for outside observers to access and use primary sources.
The China Open-Source Research Course for Rising China Specialists is a three-day professional development course to train the next generation of analysts in how to conduct open-source research and analysis on China. Led by eminent China experts from academia, government, media, and the private sector, the course affords participants an unparalleled range of experience and insights on how to conduct professional China-related research.
The course is directed by Nadège Rolland, NBR’s Distinguished Fellow in China Studies. The inaugural China Open-Source Research Course was held on October 22–24, 2024, in Washington, D.C.
Learn more about the inaugural course and the eleven sessions that were offered here.
Course Eligibility
- Recent or current MA or PhD student (seniors and recent graduates from undergraduate programs will be considered for admission).
- Intermediate to advanced Chinese-language proficiency (a brief language proficiency exam will be conducted for all applicants prior to admission).
- Academic or professional interest and background in China studies, U.S.-China relations, U.S. foreign policy, and national security.
- Must currently reside in the United States, irrespective of citizenship status.
UPCOMING SESSIONS
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