Li Kunlin, with a diverse interdisciplinary background and multilingual skills, received offers from several prestigious universities in China and abroad for doctoral programs. After careful consideration, he chose to pursue a doctoral degree in area studies at East China Normal University (ECNU). Let’s explore his inspiring journey.
Li was accepted into programs at Beijing Normal University, Shandong University, and ECNU. He ultimately chose ECNU, citing its academic environment, the guidance of Professor Feng Shaolei, and the school’s strengths in international relations.
Engaging with faculty and peers from various disciplines, Li found that ECNU offers an excellent platform for interdisciplinary research. “There are numerous opportunities for collaborative research across international relations, history, political science, and linguistics, which has boosted my confidence in exploring multidisciplinary integration,” said Li.
Li believes that interdisciplinary research can provide a more comprehensive understanding of complex global issues. “I hope to combine history, international relations, and area studies to contribute meaningfully to the field of area studies,” he added.
Li's academic journey began with dual bachelor’s degrees in Russian from Harbin University of Science and Technology and International Economics and Trade from Harbin Engineering University, followed by a master’s degree in International Relations and World History from the University of Nottingham Ningbo China. He also briefly served as a research assistant at the Ningbo Maritime Silk Road Research Institute.
“These experiences have helped me understand and analyze issues from a wider perspective, enabling me to propose deeper and broader insights in international relations and area studies,” he explained.
Li’s decision to pursue area studies stems from a growing interest in international relations during his master’s studies, particularly regarding historical context and regional politics. “Area studies logically extend the investigation of inter-state relations and historical events and their complexities,” he noted.
In addition to academic pursuits, Li promotes cross-cultural communication, develops Russian language learning applications, and participates in environmental protection and climate change research. He believes that although these activities may seem distant, they are interconnected through interdisciplinary integration, global perspectives, and attention to real-world issues.
Professor Feng Shaolei emphasized the necessity for researchers in area studies to possess a range of skills, including language proficiency and a solid foundation in political science, history, and sociology. Strengthening area studies is essential today, and ECNU harnesses its academic strengths to create interdisciplinary research platforms.
The university has established a research platform matrix of "1+6+X," led by the Ministry of Education's key research base, the Center for Russian Studies, alongside six Ministry of Education's centers focusing on neighboring countries. This initiative has formed a significant think tank for area studies, facilitating collaborative development in research, policy consulting, and talent cultivation.
In this enriching environment, Li Kunlin aspires to conduct innovative research at the intersection of area studies and international relations, providing valuable insights for academia and policymakers on global issues.
Author: Huang Siyin
Editor: Xu Xincheng, Philip Nash
