What's Happening?
The University of Oklahoma's David L. Boren School of International Studies is inviting applications for an Endowed ConocoPhillips Professorship of Chinese and Asian Studies. This full-time, tenure-track or tenured position, at the rank of Assistant,
Associate, or Full Professor, is set to begin on August 15, 2027. The university is seeking a scholar whose research and teaching will focus on Chinese politics, political economy, foreign policy, and China's role in international affairs. Specific areas of interest include technology and national security, supply chains and strategic resources, state-market relations, and geopolitical competition in East Asia. The successful candidate will contribute to both undergraduate and graduate teaching, with a teaching load of 2:1 for the duration of the endowed appointment.
Why It's Important?
The establishment of the Endowed ConocoPhillips Professorship in Chinese and Asian Studies at the University of Oklahoma is significant for U.S. academia and foreign policy. It underscores the growing recognition of China's pivotal role in global affairs and the critical need for specialized expertise in U.S.-China relations. This professorship will enhance the Boren School's capacity to conduct in-depth research and offer advanced education on complex issues such as technology, supply chains, and geopolitical competition, which have direct implications for U.S. national security and economic interests. By fostering a deeper understanding of China, the position can contribute to more informed policy-making, better diplomatic engagement, and a more globally aware citizenry. The involvement of ConocoPhillips in endowing such a position also highlights the private sector's recognition of the strategic importance of academic research in international relations.
What's Next?
The University of Oklahoma will proceed with the application and selection process for the Endowed ConocoPhillips Professorship, with the aim of filling the position by August 15, 2027. The successful candidate will be expected to develop and teach courses on Chinese foreign policy, politics, political economy, U.S.-China relations, and the international relations of East Asia. They will also have opportunities to engage with the University of Oklahoma's broader China-related research community, including the Institute for U.S.-China Issues, potentially leading a lecture series to connect scholarship with policymakers and the public. The ongoing research and teaching from this professorship are expected to contribute significantly to academic discourse and public understanding of China's evolving global role.
Beyond the Headlines
The creation of an endowed professorship focusing on Chinese and Asian Studies, particularly with corporate backing from ConocoPhillips, reflects a deeper societal and strategic imperative within the U.S. to understand and navigate the complexities of a rising China. Beyond academic enrichment, this initiative addresses a critical national need for expertise in areas that directly impact U.S. economic competitiveness, technological leadership, and national security. It signifies a long-term investment in intellectual capital to inform future generations of policymakers, business leaders, and scholars. The interdisciplinary nature of the position, covering politics, economics, and international relations, highlights the multifaceted challenges and opportunities presented by China. This endowment also subtly suggests a recognition by the corporate sector that geopolitical understanding is as crucial as market analysis for long-term strategic planning in a globalized world.
