Meet Dr. Chen!
Dr. Chen studies democratization and political conflict under the direction of Dr. Dmitriy Nurullayev (Assistant Professor of Government, UA College of Applied Science & Technology). As a postdoctoral fellow, Dr. Chen’s research focus is on American policymakers’ understanding of Chinese policy. His research examines China’s strategic relationships with major powers such as Russia and India, seeking to understand the motivations behind seemingly contradictory diplomatic moves. For instance, why China welcomed India into the Shanghai Cooperation Organization despite the countries’ ongoing geopolitical rivalry.
Dr. Chen’s research interests have evolved significantly over the course of his career. While initially focused on China, he recognized the value of comparative analysis and expanded his work to include a focus on Sub-Saharan Africa. This shift led him to Ghana, where he conducted field research into electoral violence. Living in rural communities and interviewing government officials, Dr. Chen explored how traditional leadership structures can influence contemporary democratic processes. His research revealed that local chiefs and “chieftaincy institutions,” especially those with strong voter influence, may reduce the likelihood of pre-election violence.
Though his research experiences span different continents and political systems, Dr. Chen sees common threads and unexpected cultural insights. His time in Ghana revealed surprising parallels between rural Chinese and Ghanaian political dynamics while, his analysis of American perspectives on China offered him fresh insights into Chinese cultural identity from an outsider’s viewpoint.
Beyond research, Dr. Chen is also passionate about education. Through the CIRTL Postdoc Pathways Program, he earned a teaching certificate and gained expertise in student-centered learning approaches. Having experienced innovative educational strategies while in the United States, Dr. Chen is eager to incorporate these methods into his own teaching practice when he begins his new position as assistant professor of International Relations at the Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shenzhen, in Fall 2025.