PULLMAN – The National Committee on United States–China Relations (NCUSCR) has selected David Pietz, assistant professor of history at Washington State University, for the newly created Public Intellectuals Program.
Funded through grants, the program was created to upgrade the quality of American understanding of China by strengthening links among U.S. academics, policymakers and opinion leaders. “With its particular mission and prestigious membership, it is a real honor to be selected to participate in the program,” said Pietz.
Established in 1966 as an independent, nonpartisan, nonprofit educational organization, NCUSCR’s membership role includes former U.S. president Gerald Ford, former U.S. secretary of defense Robert McNamara, former U.S. secretary of state Henry Kissinger, and former U.S. congressman and chairman and ranking member of the House Committee on Foreign Affairs Lee Hamilton.
The Public Intellectuals Program consists of 20 unpaid appointments and attracted 126 applications from academics nationwide. During their 30-month term, participants will attend workshops on U.S.–China relations, organize regional workshops and may be asked to travel to China. The hope is that scholars will deepen and broaden their knowledge about China’s politics, economics and society and use this knowledge to inform policy and public opinion.
Pietz has previously published research focused on the history of water management on the North China Plain since 1949. “My ultimate interest,” said Pietz, “is to understand how the development and utilization of resources, in this case water, may condition China’s commitment to international economic and security networks.”
“A critical goal of intellectuals working on China, it seems to me,” said Pietz, “is to recognize and communicate the dynamics of Chinese society, economics and politics and to articulate to as wide an audience as possible how these realities suggest limitations and opportunities for mutual understanding. The Public Intellectuals Program,” said Pietz, “will afford me the opportunity and encouragement to expand my contributions to the public dialogue on U.S.–China relations.”
“The program will offer unique opportunities for professional development, mentoring by senior scholars, networking and exposure,” said Stephen A. Orlins, NCUSCR president. “Program participants will gain access to senior policymakers and experts in both the United States and China and to individuals and fields they would not typically be exposed to, including, for instance, the emerging business and nonprofit sectors in China, as well as to media representatives.”
“It is obvious that the relationships and contacts Dr. Pietz will establish through this appointment will greatly enhance his research,” said Erich Lear, Dean of the College of Liberal Arts at Washington State. “The international scope of this program is indicative of the way in which liberal arts faculty members are involved in the most pressing issues of the day including projects of great national and even international significance.”
