Congratulations to the Levinson Program/CAPS Class of 2025!

"Many of us came into Cornell in the aftermath of a global pandemic, amid deteriorating U.S.-China ties, and a world more fragmented than ever. But rather than retreating into simplicity or cynicism, we chose to lean in. While each of us came to CAPS with different backgrounds, experiences, and reasons for studying China and the Asia-Pacific, we were united by a shared curiosity—a desire to understand the region not through secondhand narratives, but by immersing ourselves in its societies, grappling with its complexities, and forming our own perspectives through lived experience. -Feifei Hung, recipient of the Extraordinary Journey award and class speaker of 2025.

Extraordinary Journeys: Feifei Hung

'I've learned to be humble, open-minded and not complacent as a lifelong learner'

Congratulations to the Levinson Program Class of 2024!

Congratulations to the Levinson Program Class of 2024!

Humanities scholars research free speech, AI, sports culture and the Supreme Court

“This year’s Humanities Scholar Program conference was spectacular. The range of topics covered, the diversity of approaches, and the level of mastery demonstrated by the students were inspiring,” said interim director Lawrence Glickman.

Former national security adviser to speak on US-China relations

Former National Security Advisor Stephen J. Hadley ‘69 will explore “U.S. National Security Policymaking and the Future of U.S.-China Relations” in a fireside chat on Wednesday, April 17.

Summer Experience Grant applications now open

The grants provide funding for students in unpaid or low-paying summer experiences to offset the cost of taking on those positions.

Levinson Program Update

An update on the Levinson Program in China and Asia Pacific Studies at Cornell University.

Support the Levinson Program in China and Asia Pacific Studies on Giving Day March 14th

You can support the Levinson Program in China and Asia Pacific Studies at: https://givingday.cornell.edu/donate?campaign_id=190701

CAPS at the Chinese embassy in Washington D.C.

On January 30, the Cornell Levinson Program in China and Asia-Pacific Studies joined the Chinese embassy in Washington D.C. for an off-the-record conversation on China and the future of U.S.-China relations between Minister Jing Quan at the embassy and Professor Jessica Chen Weiss, Director of the CAPS program.

Asia Society Hosts Dialogue on U.S.-China Relations with Chinese Delegation

Jessica Chen Weiss, Michael J. Zak Professor for China and Asia-Pacific Studies at Cornell University and Director of the Cornell Levinson Program in China and Asia-Pacific Studies, participated in an in-person, closed-door roundtable at Asia Society's New York headquarters with a ministerial-level delegation from the People’s Republic of China on January 8.

Cornell CAPS program Beijing semester students' life in China!

Take a look at the Cornell CAPS program Beijing semester students' life in China! This fall semester, the CAPS program is delighted to have five outstanding students, Alyssa Ma, Eric Zhang, Ianna Ramdhany Correa, Michelle Song, and Nicole Mah, studying at Peking University's School of International Studies, one of China’s most prominent universities.

Cornell’s ’24-25 Schwarzman Scholars named

A&S young alumni are among this year’s group of 150 scholars, who are from 43 countries and 114 universities. Schwarzman Scholars, an international program, nurtures a network of future global leaders.

“Taiwan and the True Sources of Deterrence.”

Professor Jessica Chen Weiss, Michael J. Zak Professor for China and Asia-Pacific Studies at Cornell University and Director of the Cornell Levinson China and Asia-Pacific Studies (CAPS) program, joined Bonnie Glaser at the German Marshall Fund of the United States and Thomas Christensen at Columbia | SIPA for an insightful podcast at the CSIS China Power Project.

CAPS Students attend Cornell-China Forum 2023

On November 5, 2023, the Cornell CAPS students in Beijing were able to join 250 Cornell alumni and collaborators gathered in Guangzhou for Cornell's annual event in China, organized by the Cornell China Center. The forum showcased Cornell's research and commitment to addressing urgent global challenges and collaborations with a global scope. Several Cornell leaders and faculty joined panel discussions with Chinese scholars and industry representatives to discuss decarbonization and environmental resilience, health technology in the context of aging society, and materials innovations.

Student Travel Journals Beijing Fall 2023 Semester

The CAPS students that participated in the 2023 fall semester at Peking University reflect on their experiences in several travel journals.

Cornell CAPS Visiting Graduate Students Reflect on Fall 2023

Cornell CAPS visiting graduate students Jingchuan Hou and Shuyun Wang reflect on their experiences during the fall 2023 semester.

Jessica Chen Weiss named one of Prospect Magazine's 25 "Top Thinkers for a World on the Brink for 2024."

Jessica Chen Weiss, Michael J. Zak Professor for China and Asia-Pacific Studies at Cornell University and Director of the Cornell Levinson China and Asia-Pacific Studies (CAPS) program, is named one of Prospect Magazine's 25 "Top Thinkers for a World on the Brink for 2024."

Exploring the complexities of the US-China relationship

As part of the Cornell University 2023 Stewardship Report, this story highlights how donor philanthropy is supporting faculty and their pursuit of new knowledge and solutions that do the greatest good for people and communities all around the world.

China expert, present at Xi visit to US, aims to cool tensions

Professor Jessica Chen Weiss, an expert on U.S.-China relations, was among the attendees of the dinner following President Joe Biden and Chinese President Xi Jinping’s historic summit on Nov. 15 in San Francisco.

The View From Dharamshala: Tibet, China, and the world (A Chat with Lobsang Sangay)

On November 14, the Cornell CAPS program hosted a seminar, titled "The View From Dharamshala: Tibet, China, And The World. A Chat with Lobsang Sangay." The seminar was moderated by Professor Allen Carlson, Associate Professor at the Cornell Department of Government.

Fireside Chat with Tom Cooney '90

On October 20, the Cornell Levinson China and Asia-Pacific Studies (CAPS) program hosted an informal and off-the-record conversation between Tom Cooney, Vice President and International Policy Advisor at Capital Group and a former senior career diplomat, and Professor Jessica Chen Weiss, Director of the CAPS program.

Sitting down with Jessica Chen Weiss

Professor Jessica Chen Weiss, Director of the Levinson China and Asia-Pacific Studies (CAPS) program at Cornell University, joined Yawei Liu, Director of the China Program at The Carter Center for an interview at the U.S.-China Perception Monitor. Weiss reflects on her career, highlighting her internship at The Carter Center. She discusses the need for a forward-looking approach in managing U.S.-China relations, concerns about racial factors in assessing China's intentions, and the importance of minimizing such factors.

Aspen Strategy Group discussion with the Chinese Foreign Minister, Wang Yi

On October 28, Professor Jessica Chen Weiss, Director of the Cornell Levinson China and Asia-Pacific Studies (CAPS) program, joined members of the U.S. strategic community for a discussion with the Chinese Foreign Minister, Wang Yi, in Washington D.C., hosted by The Aspen Institute's Aspen Strategy Group.

A World Safe for Autocracy? Domestic Politics, China's Rise, and the Future of the International Order.

Professor Jessica Chen Weiss, Director of the Levinson China and Asia-Pacific Studies (CAPS) program at Cornell University, recently delivered two informative talks at the European External Action Service and OECD - OCDE. At the European External Action Service (EEAS) Speaker’s Corner, Professor Weiss shared her insights into China's complex internal dynamics and their profound external implications with EEAS staff and EU diplomatic staff.

What China’s economic slowdown means for the world

What Does China’s Economic Slowdown Mean for the World? CAPS faculty member, Professor Jeremy Wallace, writes that China's economy is experiencing a significant slowdown, underscored by unstable property markets and decreased value in currency and exports. This slowdown, attributed to strict debt-limiting policies and a transition from a zero-Covid approach, is impacting global markets.

"Should the US pursue a new Cold War with China?"

On Thursday, September 7, Jessica Chen Weiss, Director of the Levinson China and Asia-Pacific Studies (CAPS) program at Cornell University, joined a panel of distinguished experts, including Patricia M. Kim Matthew Turpin Joseph Nye for a conversation at The Brookings Institution.

Ice Cream Social: A Sweet Transition for the Levinson China and Asia-Pacific Studies (CAPS) Program

August 24th was more than just a feast of Ithaca's finest ice cream - it was a celebration of the diversity, unity, and future aspirations of the CAPS program. Heartfelt gratitude to our outgoing director, Dr. Allen Carlson, who reflected on the remarkable accomplishments CAPS has achieved during his six years of dedicated leadership. We are thrilled to introduce our incoming director, Dr. Jessica Chen Weiss, who unveiled her inspiring vision and strategic roadmap for the future of the CAPS program.

What’s Behind the Youth Unemployment Statistics Beijing Just Decided to Stop Publishing?

What is behind the youth unemployment statistics Beijing just decided to stop publishing? CAPS faculty member, Professor Eli Friedman, uncovers the underlying reasons for joblessness among China's youth. A must-read for anyone interested in labor trends in China. Check out Professor Eli Friedman's article at https://www.chinafile.com/reporting-opinion/notes-chinafile/whats-behind-youth-unemployment-statistics-beijing-just-decided

China’s Old Economic Model Is Breaking. Its Replacement Might Be Green.

Is China's economy really imploding, or is it evolving? This new piece by CAPS faculty member, Professor Jeremy Wallace, sheds light on China's economic complexities, from struggling real estate investments to booming electric vehicle and solar energy sectors. Despite concerns, most economists predict a 3-5% growth for China this year. While some sectors face challenges, others like EVs and solar are experiencing unprecedented growth, signaling a possible shift toward a greener economy. Check out Professor Jeremy Wallace's article at https://heatmap.news/economy/china-real-estate-evs-solar

"China and Africa: Past, Present, and Future. Engagement and Local Variation."

On October 24, the Cornell Levinson China and Asia Pacific Studies (CAPS) program hosted a timely China and Africa panel discussion, titled "China and Africa: Past, Present, and Future. Engagement and Local Variation."

"China and Africa: Past, Present, and Future. Engagement and Local Variation."

On October 24, the Cornell Levinson China and Asia Pacific Studies (CAPS) program hosted a timely China and Africa panel discussion, titled "China and Africa: Past, Present, and Future. Engagement and Local Variation."

CAPS students in DC attend documentary premiere of “Chinese Puzzle” at the Chinese embassy.

On October 17, three Cornell Levinson China and Asia-Pacific Studies (CAPS) program Washington DC semester students, Feifei Hung, Jacqueline Cheng, and Catherine G Chin, participated in a documentary premiere at the Chinese embassy.

Roundtable discussion on U.S.-China relations at the Chinese embassy in Washington D.C.

On October 4, Professor Jessica Chen Weiss, Director of the Levinson China and Asia-Pacific Studies (CAPS) program at Cornell University, joined a distinguished delegation of nearly 30 renowned Chinese and American scholars led by the Institute of the International and Strategic Studies (IISS) at Peking University and Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS) for a roundtable discussion on U.S.-China relations with Chinese ambassador, Xie Feng, and Deputy Chief of Mission and Minister, Xu Xueyuan, at the Chinese embassy in Washington D.C.

CAPS students invited to attend 74th National Day reception at Chinese Embassy in DC.

On September 27, two Cornell Levinson China and Asia-Pacific Studies (CAPS) program Washington DC semester students, Feifei Hung and Jacqueline Cheng, joined the Chinese Embassy for the first in-person National Day reception after the pandemic to celebrate the 74th anniversary of the founding of the People’s Republic of China.

CAPS Professor Eli Friedman seminar on Labor Movements in East Asia: Mobilizing Against Inequality Amid Political Change

CAPS Professor Eli Friedman participated in a seminar at the National Taiwan University College of Social Science on September 22nd. The seminar posed the questions of: "In the face of regime repression, stagnant wages, workplace discrimination, the introduction of disruptive technologies, exploitative guest worker programs, etc., how can workers defend their rights and interests? How do labor movements in East Asia face increasingly diverse yet similar challenges?"

Nexus Scholars Program expands research opportunities to 101 students

This summer, 101 students in the College of Arts and Sciences will take part in groundbreaking research on campus with 61 faculty as part of the Nexus Scholars Program.

'The International Student Union was a critical part of my Cornell experience'

Angela Pan is majoring in government and China & Asia Pacific studies.

Reopening CAPS Study Abroad in Beijing

We are now thrilled to announce our intention of re-opening the CAPS study abroad in Beijing in the incoming academic year of 2023-2024

Support CAPS on Giving Day March 16th

You can support CAPS at: https://givingday.cornell.edu/donate?campaign_id=145032

CAPS Spring Social 2023

After two years of suspension, CAPS has resumed our annual Spring Social that was held at the AD White House on February 14th of this year.

A Professor Who Challenges the Washington Consensus on China

Jessica Chen Weiss, Michael J. Zak Professor for China and Asia-Pacific Studies, is profiled in the New Yorker magazine.

Why protesters are targeting Xi Jinping for China’s ‘zero covid’ failures

Simmering anger at Beijing’s “zero covid” restrictions exploded over the past few days, writes Jeremy Lee Wallace, associate professor of government, in Washington Post commentary.

Jia Qingguo seminar on- China‐US Relations: Is There Light at the End of the Tunnel?

At the invitation of CAPS, Dr. JIA Qingguo, PhD ’88, visited Cornell during November 2-5, 2022. In his talk, Dr Jia offered a well-balanced, illuminating perspective as one of the most prominent Chinese America watchers and specialists on China-U.S. relations, shedding light on these critical questions.

Students can now choose new minor in data science

The minor is distinctive in including courses from many disciplines, from across Cornell’s schools and colleges.

Nexus Scholar applications open for summer 2023

The program matches undergraduate students with summer opportunities to work side by side with faculty from across the College.

People over numbers: Book charts China’s neopolitical turn

Jeremy Lee Wallace explains how a few numbers came to define Chinese politics “until they did not count what mattered and what they counted did not measure up,” and the “stunning about-face” led by Xi Jinping within the Chinese Communist Party.

People over numbers: Book charts China’s neopolitical turn

Jeremy Lee Wallace, associate professor of government in the College of Arts and Sciences discusses his new book, “Seeking Truth and Hiding Facts: Information, Ideology, and Authoritarianism in China.”

Xi’s personalized, opaque rule eroding trust in Chinese economy

Prof. Jeremy Wallace comments on China's report that its third-quarter gross domestic product grew.

Panelists: War in Ukraine reshapes world political order

Faculty and journalist experts considered the consequences of the ongoing conflict during “Aftershocks: Geopolitics Since the Ukraine invasion."

With visit to Taiwan, Pelosi upsets Xi-Biden’s balancing act

Government Prof. Allen Carlson comments on Speaker Nancy Pelosi's visit to Taiwan.