Research Statement

China, one of the world’s oldest civilizations, has significantly influenced global human development, from innovations like paper and the compass to advancements in various scientific fields. Yet, the period spanning the 17th century through the end of the Qing dynasty in 1911 is often associated less with modernity and more with an image of a traditional empire resistant to Western influence. This perception, shaped through centuries of interaction between China and the West, reached a nadir with the onset of the Opium War in 1839. For decades, scholars have debated the complex dynamics underpinning East-West relations, with recent scholarship introducing new perspectives that challenge once-accepted historical interpretations. My research aims to critically explore previously overlooked sources and narratives to deepen the understanding of East-West discourse from the 16th century up to the First Opium War. Specifically, I seek to uncover how initial high regard for China among Europeans in the early 17th century declined sharply, a trajectory with consequences still relevant in modern Sino-Western relations.

Currently, my research focuses on the economic drivers shaping Western perceptions of China, examining the role of the British East India Company (EIC) following its loss of monopoly in India and its efforts to retain dominance in China. This shift catalyzed competition among British entities and other Western powers, inadvertently affecting Western views of China and Asia as economic ambition fueled new, often biased, perceptions. In this context, China became a passive bystander to Western economic strategies as globalization introduced more aggressive expansion into Asian markets. My research contributes to existing debates by moving beyond traditional diplomatic events, such as the McCartney Embassy or the Opium Wars, which, while significant, do not encompass the broader economic and social motivations driving Western perceptions. Instead, I emphasize the unique economic forces in play and examine how the motives of dominant and emerging market players contributed to the shifting Western image of China and Asia.

In future research, I plan to continue exploring the nuanced and evolving relationships between the West and China, seeking to address the underexplored factors that contributed to the transformation in Sino-Western relations over the centuries. During the Enlightenment, European intellectuals viewed Chinese philosophy and governance as models for modernity—a perspective that gradually faded as Western economies shifted their interests. I am interested in exploring when and why these perceptions began to decline, identifying key causes and examining how they interrelated to reshape Western attitudes. This line of inquiry aims to bridge existing knowledge gaps to better understand the divergence that occurred, alongside the long-standing ramifications of East-West divisions that persist in the present day.

Additionally, my research agenda includes a strong commitment to pedagogy and teaching innovation. My experience supporting students has underscored the importance of developing critical thinking skills and fostering an engaging classroom environment. To enhance these efforts, I am actively researching best practices in classroom management, pedagogy, and student engagement. My Certificate in College Teaching has enriched my approach, providing a foundation for cultivating student-centered learning environments and honing methodologies for teaching complex historical interactions, such as Sino-Western relations. Integrating pedagogical research with my historical studies allows me to engage students in a manner that both broadens their perspectives and deepens their analytical skills, supporting a more comprehensive research agenda that spans historical and educational spheres.