Change of leadership in knowledge production | Political Economy

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In recent times, especially since Donald Trump has taken over for the second term, the United States has witnessed a disturbing change in its higher education policies, which poses a direct threat to the global domination of US universities, so the long -term education has been considered.

Historically, organizations like Columbia University, John Hopkins, and the hosts of others have guided the world in attracting knowledge, guidance of research, and attracting bright minds around the world. However, under the Trump administration, this legacy is rapidly threatened, which is likely to move from the United States to the United States from the United States to China.

Trump’s policy on higher education has been marked by theoretical opposition to some educational principles and more practical, economically encouraged efforts to reduce federal funding to elite institutions. His administration’s decisions have kept the universities under increasing political pressure to be compatible with specific conservatives and especially Zionist supporters, for example, with the risk of saving monetary grants from famous universities like Colombia and John Hopkins. This has created a toxic environment for research, where funds continue to rely on political rights rather than academic qualifications or intellectual curiosity.

One of the most amazing aspects of this policy shift is Trump’s choice of secretary education, Linda McMemon – a business woman who made a fortunate to promote professional wrestling theater, choreography competition. Mac Memon, who lacks the background in the field of education, has been a clear critic of the role of education, calling it an unnecessary bureaucratic layer that does not directly educate students nor set the curriculum. His commitment to sending federal funds directly to the states is a tremendous repression of the current educational establishment and further indicates the Trump administration’s approach to minimizing federal surveillance in education.

An important factor that can help end the domination of American universities is the behavior of international students. The United States has long been a bacon for international scholars, which has attracted numerous intellectual abilities that has pushed the country the forefront of innovation and technological development. However, the Trump administration has rapidly developed international students as a burden rather than an asset. Strict visa restrictions, the risk of deportation and general enmity with non -citizens have created the climate of fear and uncertainty, which has discouraged many international students from getting higher education in the United States.

This change has exceeded Trump’s wider strategy, which includes efforts to crackdown on campus demonstrations and curriculum on politically sensitive topics, as seen in the University of Columbia. In this example, the White House forced the University to ban demonstrations, review the Middle East curriculum and adopt strict law enforcement policies during protests. These tricks indicate an extensive attempt to impose conservative values ​​on top universities, and further narrow the intellectual freedom that has long characterized the American academia.

The economic consequences of these policies are profound, but they only represent the tip of the iceberg. American universities are in danger of losing their status as the world’s intellectual powerhouse. The arrival of international students has long been an important part of the US educational ecosystem. Not only do these students contribute to the cultural and diversity of the American campus, but they also bring important views that innovate in many fields. With obstacles to studying in the United States, many international students are looking for alternatives, especially in countries such as Canada, the United Kingdom, and especially China, which are aggressively pursuing their educational and technical rise.

As a result, the brain that has long strengthened its universities for the United States is likely to stop, and in some cases, vice versa. The flow of the intellectual capital for China, and partially Europe’s flow will damage the US competitive edge in the global research and innovation race. China is making strategic investments in its higher education sector, focusing on the construction of world -class institutions and modern sectors such as artificial intelligence, biotechnology and renewable energy. With the United States shutting down its doors for international capabilities, China is in a position to become a leader in the production of knowledge, which is probably surpassing the United States in the coming decades.

Particularly what makes this change is that American universities have historically been the foundation stone of the country’s global power. In talks about international power politics, many have argued that while China’s rise has been unusual, the West – in the US leadership – will maintain its impact because of its unprecedented ability to create knowledge. The American organization, with its strong funding, extensive research facilities and talent pool, has long been the world’s jealousy. Since China’s higher education system improves and becomes more attractive to international scholars, it is ready to change this dynamic. China’s growing impact in academia is no longer likely to be remote – this is an emerging reality.

The federal level is likely to increase the process with the closure of the Department of Education and the ongoing threats to the higher universities. Federal funding has been an important source of support for high quality research in the United States. Without this funding, the infrastructure that allows the scientific and technological developments to break the ground will be damaged. Educational research will be stopped, and the ability to guide the United States innovation will be significantly weakened. Although some people may argue that private funding or alternative sources can fill this gap, the fact is that especially in the fields such as space research, public health and climate change – especially the most important research – relies heavily on public investment and cooperation.

In this context, the United States faces an important confluence. Although its universities continue to produce the world’s leading research and attract some bright minds, policies that limit access to international students, limit federal funding for higher education, and reduce educational independence can eliminate this competitive advantage. These self -infected wounds of the US educational system can further accelerate China’s rise as a intellectual rival.

The geographical political implications of this shift cannot be promoted. The intellectual and technical leadership, which has long been the strongest case for the United States, is being hampered when the dynamics of world power are changing rapidly. China, with its vast population, is ready to take advantage of this opportunity, increasing investment in education and increasing global research. The elimination of US higher education could indicate the decline of American domination in global politics and innovation. The flame of intellectual leadership can soon move to China, which primarily changes the global balance of power.

The Trump administration’s policies on higher education are not just a domestic issue but also a matter of international importance. Possible consequences for the United States are deeper: keeping brain drains in its favor, a low potential to create world -class research and the ability to strengthen China’s position as a global intellectual leader. With the long -term reaction of both America’s global stance and its economic prospects, there is a risk of losing its position in the production and innovation of knowledge. The world is watching closely.

The author is a professor at the Faculty of Liberal Arts at the Beacon House National University in Lahore.