UW Libraries Blog

August 2, 2024

Reflections on UW Libraries Global Engagement

UW Libraries

The Libraries plays a critical role within the university, connecting and converging all disciplines while also serving as a community hub and a cultural bridge by providing outstanding collections, services and programs that foster an inclusive environment for learning and research. Through this work, the Libraries builds collaborative networks within our UW community and beyond.

UW Libraries’ Global Engagement initiative, brings international scholars together with UW and local international communities to explore a wide variety of topics related to global events, geo-political trends and research on those themes. During its inaugural year, Global Engagement, led by Dr. Zhijia Shen, convened multiple speaker series, attracting diverse audiences and creating opportunities to learn, share ideas and build connections.

“It is exciting and satisfying to facilitate such thought-provoking dialogues,” says Dr. Shen.  “Seeing a diverse audience enthusiastically participate in the discussions, hearing students talk about how an event has inspired a research topic, contributed to their dissertation, or helped make a personal connection with a scholar – these connections are truly inspiring and fulfilling to be a part of.”

In this post, we’ll share insights from the past year, and provide a look ahead into plans for the 2024/2025 academic year.

 Speaker Series: Contemporary China, Russia, Sino-Russo Relations and the Chinese Cultural Revolution*       

This series was funded in part through generous support from Professor Hon-Ching Lee and Mrs. Lee, long-time donors and friends of the Libraries, and hosted in partnership with the Jackson School of International Studies, the law school, and additional partners on and off campus. The series featured four eminent international scholars who brought their expertise to the forefront of China and Russia studies through two lectures, a panel session and open discussions.

  • On the ‘Low Human Rights Advantage’: China, Globalization, and the ‘New Cold War’ by Professor QIN Hui. This session explored the unforeseen consequences of modern economic globalization based on the “low human rights advantage”, a concept introduced by Professor Qin in 2005, sparking significant debate among Chinese intellectuals and the public. His lecture examined the role of this advantage in China’s rise, its implications for globalization, and its impact on U.S.-China relations.
  • “Russia’s Foreign Wars and Constitutional Developments, and Sino-Russian Relations in Russian History with Professor JIN Yan, explored how Russia’s external expansion and internal authoritarianism have historically linked constitutional reforms to military defeats, while victories reinforced authoritarianism.
  • The panel discussion, led by Professors QIN Hui, SONG Yongyi, and Dr. ZHOU Yuan focused on the Chinese Cultural Revolution (1966-1976) and its impact on the understanding of contemporary China, encouraging young scholars to continue their research. They also shared first-hand perspectives in developing the Databases of Contemporary Chinese Political Movements, including the Cultural Revolution, and many e-resources available for scholars outside China.

*The above summaries are a highly condensed overview of very complex, nuanced conversations and discourse.

All sessions were very well attended, attracting audiences from across UW campuses and beyond. Some faculty members brought their entire classes to the lectures. The events drew not only China Studies students and faculty but also many STEM students and faculty, as well as young engineers from local high-tech companies. Some attendees traveled from as far as Vancouver, B.C., and Portland, Oregon.

The open discussions provided opportunities for students and community attendees to engage in open dialogues with faculty, creating a highly interactive event. Speakers addressed their inquiries and delved into topics of contemporary China and Russian history. Many stayed on after the one-hour discussions to continue asking questions. Some brought books to be autographed by the authors.

Learn more

Many UW faculty members conduct research and publish about contemporary China and the Libraries’ resources on these subjects is immense.  Here are just a few well-utilized references from the collection:

Reflections: International Perspectives in a “Post-Covid” World

Considering the deep impact of the pandemic on our lives, both physically and mentally, acknowledging persistent challenges and what we can learn or gain from this reflection proved to be an insightful theme for the second set of Global Engagement speaker series. In early summer, UW Libraries Global Engagement, together with UW Libraries colleagues, organized two different events to explore this topic from various perspectives.  Attendees expressed their gratitude to UW Libraries for providing this opportunity, especially during a time when anxieties from COVID-19 remain prevalent for many.

  • Buddhist Culture and Philosophy and Healing from Covid-19 with His Eminence Tulku Yeshi Rinpoche. Collaborating with South Asian Studies, Global Engagement hosted a lecture by Tulku Yeshi Rinpoche, a renowned Tibetan Buddhist master, author of 20 books, Chöd master, Dzogchen Master, poet, healer, artist and astrologer. Yeshi presented a unique perspective on healing through the lens of Buddhist culture and traditions, offering hope and guidance.
  • Roundtable Presentation: Creating a Haven for Our Hearts – Chinese American Authors Reflect on Their Covid-19 Journey In collaboration with the Northwest Chinese Writers Association, Libraries Global Engagement organized a discussion focusing on the experiences of Chinese American writers during Covid-19 featuring an amazing line-up of renowned authors with incredible and inspiring life stories including Ms. Jian Golder, Ms. LIU Fei, Ms. Alice Flores, and Ms. ZHU Chen. The four distinguished authors contributed to two books, Witnessing the Pandemic: Unforgettable Stories of 2020-2021 and Hidden Trauma, published in 2022 and 2023. They talked openly with students, faculty and community attendees about the profound impact of their writings on healing.

A flyer for the next event: Poetry Is a Soulful Gaze: Layman’s “Walking Gold” 3D Calligraphy

Looking Ahead

According to Dr. Shen, the hope is that Global Engagement events like these will continue to enrich the experience of the UW community, strengthen the ties between UW Libraries and the local community, and inspire future collaborative relationships.

The first event in the new academic year will be an exhibition by a local Chinese immigrant artist, entitled: Poetry Is a Soulful Gaze: Layman’s “Walking Gold” 3D Calligraphy, together with a lecture and tour of the exhibition by the artist.  A lecture focusing on South Asian culture is being planned for the  winter quarter.  To learn about these events, sign up for our blog, check the calendar, and follow UW Libraries on social media.  We look forward to seeing you!

A Message of Thanks

From Zhijia Shen, Director of Global Engagement

Organizing and publicizing these impactful events would not have been possible without the unwavering support and assistance from within and beyond UW Libraries. I am deeply grateful to our dedicated student volunteers, Juan Luo and Ray Shi, Libraries Administration Team, and all our colleagues, partners and students whose generous contributions and hard work enabled the great successes of all these events. On behalf of our audience and speakers, thank you all.

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