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German Expert Highlights Challenges of Understanding and Researching China

On August 28th, the Research Institute for Democracy, Society and Emerging Technology (DSET) invited Professor Sabrina Habich-Sobiegalla from Freie Universität Berlin to speak on the topic “Navigating Research in and on China.” A distinguished scholar in the field, Professor Habich-Sobiegalla is an esteemed alumna of the International Doctoral Program in Asian Studies (IDAS) at National Chengchi University. She currently serves as the Director of the Graduate School of East Asian Studies, the Director of the Master of China Studies, and the Director of the Master in Global East Asia at Freie Universität Berlin.

(Photo credit: The DSET.)

Professor Habich-Sobiegalla brings a wealth of academic experience, including postdoctoral research at the University of Vienna and significant contributions to the ‘Governance in China’ network at Eberhard Karls Universität Tübingen. Her groundbreaking research on local governance and energy politics in rural China has profoundly influenced contemporary discussions on China’s socio-political landscape.

During her presentation, Professor Habich-Sobiegalla shared insights from her extensive research journey, including her exploration of local governance and energy politics in rural China. Her doctoral dissertation introduced the concept of “soft coercion” to describe the nuanced strategies used by local authorities to implement central policies under sensitive circumstances. This research has illuminated the intricate dynamics of local government operations in China, showing how local officials often balance the demands of higher administrative levels with the needs of local communities.

She also discussed her continued research on governance and resource management, illustrating how central control mechanisms in China can undermine effective local governance. Her findings, such as the practice of local officials directing resources to regions with a history of positive project outcomes rather than those in greatest need, underscore the complexities of Chinese local government operations.

Professor Habich-Sobiegalla expressed appreciation for her long-standing connection with NCCU and noted the significance of returning as a distinguished speaker, emphasizing the potential for future collaborations between DSET and Freie Universität Berlin. She highlighted the importance of understanding China’s management and network models, which is crucial for cross-domain research and policy evaluation, offering valuable insights into the broader implications for global policy frameworks. This event not only reflected DSET’s commitment to deepening academic exchanges on critical global issues but also set the stage for potential collaborative projects with Professor Habich-Sobiegalla and her team, enhancing the scope of research on future socio-political landscape.

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