With support from faculty experts, Crystal Weber presented her research paper on the evolution of China’s power techniques to a crowd of foreign policy and political science scholars at Cal State Fullerton’s Royce International Symposium.
“I’m extremely grateful for this opportunity, not only to share my research at this level, but to develop my skills,” said Weber, who was recognized with a student research award and a $500 scholarship for her academic achievements at the symposium. The Class of 2025 political science grad plans to use the scholarship to take the LSAT after graduation — the first step toward law school and her future career.
Her paper explored China’s use of soft power, which occurs when government systems use non-coercive techniques such as media control to shape people’s cultural, social and political values. With guidance from Simon Tang, a CSUF lecturer in political science who specializes in international political economy and comparative politics, Weber found that China’s soft power influence has weakened with hard power techniques like increased military capacity.
Weber was one of four students to share their research on March 13 at the Richard Nixon Presidential Library & Museum. The student research panel included Ji Hwan Lee, who presented on Africa’s message to the U.S. and China in soft power competition; Daisy Sandoval, who presented on hard and soft power in Latin America; and Francis Arguien, who presented on hard-ruled China and soft power.
“This symposium connects academic inquiry with real-world policy challenges,” said CSUF President Ronald S. Rochon. “For students, this event provides an opportunity to move beyond the headlines and to examine the complexities of diplomacy and international relations by encouraging open discourse. We empower the next generation of leaders to approach diplomacy with intelligence and great integrity.”
Former U.S. Rep. Ed Royce ’77 (B.A. business administration-accounting, finance) delivered the event’s keynote address on “American Foreign Policy in a Destabilized World: Hard, Soft and Sharp Power Challenges,” exploring the promotion of democracy and the use of strategic communication and policy initiatives to negate authoritarian influence.
Royce provided insights into such key issues as Russia and China’s control of mass media, the importance of bipartisan cooperation in U.S. foreign policy and aid programs, and the necessary balance between hard and soft power.
“Soft power is about persuasion. It’s about information and ideals. Let’s use that and reserve the hard power only when we need it,” explained Royce.
The event also featured policy and political science experts from various universities and Washington, D.C.-based organizations, who shared their knowledge on power dynamics in the 21st century and Latin America’s relations with the U.S. and China.
Throughout his career, Royce represented California’s 39th Congressional District from 1993 to 2019 and served Orange County for more than 25 years. He also served as chair of the House Foreign Affairs Committee from 2013-19. The foreign policy, national security and international business expert currently serves as a policy director at Brownstein, a lobbying and law firm.
The symposium was organized by CSUF’s Department of Political Science. Sponsors and partners included: Brownstein, SoCal Gas, Paul Carter ’92 (B.A. political science), Richard Nixon Foundation, CSUF’s College of Humanities and Social Sciences, OC Forum, The Orange County Register, and the World Affairs Council-Orange County. To receive future symposium program announcements, email contact information to roycesymposium@fullerton.edu.