Organizational Contexts of Confucius Institutes (III): University Strategies and Leadership Dynamics

Building on the previous two chapters, this chapter continues the examination of organizational contexts by focusing on university strategies and leadership within local host institutions. Drawing on the author’s observations, particularly from the case of Lancaster University, it illustrates how these factors decisively shape the trajectory of Confucius Institutes within the broader landscape of institutional politics. University strategies—especially those concerning internationalization and engagement with China—are often internally contested, subject to change over time, and characterized by multiple, sometimes competing, priorities. These dynamics significantly influence the environment in which Confucius Institutes operate, as well as the institutional values and roles they are expected to fulfill. Equally important are the actions of university leaders, whose strategic agendas, visions for internationalization, personal perspectives on China and Confucius Institutes, and individual ambitions and backgrounds collectively shape the institutional context. Ultimately, how Confucius Institutes position themselves within university strategies and cultivate relationships with university leaders determines their relevance within the institution—and even their survival—amid intensifying geopolitical challenges.