DEAN Alumni Feature: Jiakun Jack Zhang

Jiakun Jack Zhang is a PhD student in the Department of Political Science at UC San Diego. His dissertation investigates the impact of interstate conflict on multinational firms operating in belligerent countries as well as the political strategies that these firms adopt to influence the policies of home and host governments. He holds a bachelor's degree in political science and a certificate in East Asian studies from Duke University, where he served as the Editor-in-Chief of Duke East Asia Nexus and was a co-founder of the Duke-UNC China Leadership Summit. He currently serves as senior advisor to UC San Diego’s China Focus Blog. Prior to coming to UC San Diego, Jack worked as a China researcher for the Eurasia Group in Washington, DC. Follow him on Twitter @HanFeiTzu.

Jack has been the recipient of various fellowships and awards, including a Fulbright U.S. Student Grant to Peking University, the University of California Institute on Global Conflict and Cooperation Herb York Fellowship, the Chinese Government Scholarship, the Sanford Lakoff Research Fellowship, the Ole R. Holsti Award in International Relations, Duke University Student Affairs Distinguished Leadership and Service Award, and the William J. Griffith University Service Award. He was named to China Hands "25 Under 25 in US-China Relations" list in 2013.

Please elaborate on your current occupation (research interests/ ongoing projects/graduate school/etc.).

I am a PhD candidate in Political Science at UC San Diego (UCSD). My research interests lie at the intersection of international political economy and security, with a focus on contemporary China.

How did you become interested in East Asia? What do you find most fascinating about studying the region?

As a Chinese-American I was drawn to international relations as an opportunity to bridge the gap of understanding between the U.S. and China, to diffuse the tensions between the two nations, and to avert conflict which can only work to the detriment of both.

What was your experience with DEAN like? Are there any interesting anecdotes that you’d like to share?

DEAN was one of the most transformative experiences I had at Duke. I served as Editor in Chief for two years and during my tenure we launched the print edition of the magazine, successfully lobbied for the creation of the East Asia Studies Certificate program, and organized the Duke-UNC China Leadership (CLS). It's amazing what a small team of Dukies with big dreams can accomplish! So much of what I know about fundraising, event planning, teamwork, and management comes from my time at DEAN.

What do you think a student organization like DEAN can bring to dialogue on international affairs/ East Asian studies?

In an era of online publishing and social media, its hard for a student publication to be heard in the dialogue on international affairs. I think the potential of DEAN is in its power as a platform. Content is ubiquitous and its hard for DEAN to compete with the likes of ChinaFile or CFR. But through its publications, conferences, and partnership DEAN can continue connect students who are passionate about East Asia and showcase their work.

How has your Duke experience shaped your trajectory? Advice for current Duke students?

I loved my time at Duke and am grateful for all the doors that it's opened for me. I think the one piece of wisdom I have for current students is to seek learning outside of the classroom. Grades are important, but take time to learn from your peers, learn through doing, learn through leading. Because a good GPA might land you a first job, but its those relationships and experiences that you develop outside of the classroom that will propel your career.