China-Arab academic engagement as track II diplomacy: a counter-narrative to Western securitization of knowledge exchange

Abstract

This paper explores the growing trend of academic collaborations between China and Arab countries as a form of Track II diplomacy, offering a counter-narrative to the securitization of knowledge exchange that has emerged in Western countries. As the geopolitical landscape shifts, Western nations have increasingly framed academic cooperation with China through the lens of national security and ideological competition, epitomized by initiatives like the U.S. China Initiative. In contrast, many in Arab countries view China-Arab academic partnerships as opportunities to foster peaceful international relations and mutual development, with less political scrutiny than often accompanies Western collaborations. However, perceptions of these collaborations can vary within the Arab world, depending on national, political, and institutional contexts. For example, while some Arab nations embrace these engagements as part of broader development goals, others may be more cautious due to their historical and geopolitical relationships with both China and Western powers. This paper examines how these collaborations function as a tool for China to engage with the Arab world on the basis of shared academic and cultural values, promoting understanding and cooperation. By investigating key initiatives such as joint research programs, university partnerships, and student exchanges, this paper highlights the role of China-Arab academic diplomacy in promoting regional stability and global collaboration, positioning it as an alternative to the politically charged academic exchanges occurring between China and the West.