Deglobalization and International Higher Education Collaborations: Critical Reflections of China’s Responses

Ka Ho Joshua MOK; Zhen TIAN; Padmore Adusei AMOAH

doi:10.1007/978-981-95-2531-7_3

Deglobalization and International Higher Education Collaborations: Critical Reflections of China’s Responses

Ka Ho Joshua MOK
, Zhen TIAN^*
, Padmore Adusei AMOAH

^*Corresponding author for this work

School of Graduate Studies

Research output: Book Chapters | Papers in Conference Proceedings › Book Chapter › Research › peer-review

Abstract

This chapter explores the evolving landscape of international higher education collaborations amid rising geopolitical tensions, particularly between China and Western nations. It critically examines the transition from globalization to deglobalization, emphasizing how shifting political dynamics have disrupted key aspects of academic exchanges, including student mobility, cross-border research partnerships, and institutional cooperation. The analysis highlights China’s strategic responses to these challenges, such as fostering regional ties and enhancing its global educational standing, while also exploring the implications of demographic changes and technological advancements for higher education. By addressing these complexities, this chapter advocates for a nuanced and balanced approach to international cooperation in higher education that harmonizes national interests with the imperative for global collaboration to ensure sustainable academic partnerships in an increasingly fragmented world.

Original language	English
Title of host publication	Innovative Paths to Quality Higher Education in Asia : Reform, Risks and Reinventions for a Sustainable Future
Editors	Angela Yung-Chi HOU, Jung Cheol SHIN, Bjørn STENSAKER
Publisher	Springer Singapore
Chapter	3
Pages	37-54
Number of pages	18
ISBN (Electronic)	9789819525317
ISBN (Print)	9789819525331, 9789819525300
DOIs	https://doi.org/10.1007/978-981-95-2531-7_3
Publication status	Published - 3 Jan 2026

Publication series

Name	Higher Education in Asia
Volume	Part F1235
ISSN (Print)	2365-6352
ISSN (Electronic)	2365-6360

Bibliographical note

Publisher Copyright:
© The Author(s), under exclusive license to Springer Nature Singapore Pte Ltd. 2026.

Keywords

Deglobalization
Geopolitics
Higher education
International collaboration

Access to Document

10.1007/978-981-95-2531-7_3

Cite this

MOK, K. H. J., TIAN, Z., & AMOAH, P. A. (2026). Deglobalization and International Higher Education Collaborations: Critical Reflections of China’s Responses. In A. Y.-C. HOU, J. C. SHIN, & B. STENSAKER (Eds.), Innovative Paths to Quality Higher Education in Asia : Reform, Risks and Reinventions for a Sustainable Future (pp. 37-54). (Higher Education in Asia; Vol. Part F1235). Springer Singapore. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-981-95-2531-7_3

MOK, Ka Ho Joshua ; TIAN, Zhen ; AMOAH, Padmore Adusei. / Deglobalization and International Higher Education Collaborations: Critical Reflections of China’s Responses. Innovative Paths to Quality Higher Education in Asia : Reform, Risks and Reinventions for a Sustainable Future. editor / Angela Yung-Chi HOU ; Jung Cheol SHIN ; Bjørn STENSAKER. Springer Singapore, 2026. pp. 37-54 (Higher Education in Asia).

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MOK, KHJ, TIAN, Z & AMOAH, PA 2026, Deglobalization and International Higher Education Collaborations: Critical Reflections of China’s Responses. in AY-C HOU, JC SHIN & B STENSAKER (eds), Innovative Paths to Quality Higher Education in Asia : Reform, Risks and Reinventions for a Sustainable Future. Higher Education in Asia, vol. Part F1235, Springer Singapore, pp. 37-54. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-981-95-2531-7_3

Deglobalization and International Higher Education Collaborations: Critical Reflections of China’s Responses. / MOK, Ka Ho Joshua; TIAN, Zhen; AMOAH, Padmore Adusei.
Innovative Paths to Quality Higher Education in Asia : Reform, Risks and Reinventions for a Sustainable Future. ed. / Angela Yung-Chi HOU; Jung Cheol SHIN; Bjørn STENSAKER. Springer Singapore, 2026. p. 37-54 (Higher Education in Asia; Vol. Part F1235).

Research output: Book Chapters | Papers in Conference Proceedings › Book Chapter › Research › peer-review

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N1 - Publisher Copyright: © The Author(s), under exclusive license to Springer Nature Singapore Pte Ltd. 2026.

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AB - This chapter explores the evolving landscape of international higher education collaborations amid rising geopolitical tensions, particularly between China and Western nations. It critically examines the transition from globalization to deglobalization, emphasizing how shifting political dynamics have disrupted key aspects of academic exchanges, including student mobility, cross-border research partnerships, and institutional cooperation. The analysis highlights China’s strategic responses to these challenges, such as fostering regional ties and enhancing its global educational standing, while also exploring the implications of demographic changes and technological advancements for higher education. By addressing these complexities, this chapter advocates for a nuanced and balanced approach to international cooperation in higher education that harmonizes national interests with the imperative for global collaboration to ensure sustainable academic partnerships in an increasingly fragmented world.

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MOK KHJ, TIAN Z, AMOAH PA. Deglobalization and International Higher Education Collaborations: Critical Reflections of China’s Responses. In HOU AYC, SHIN JC, STENSAKER B, editors, Innovative Paths to Quality Higher Education in Asia : Reform, Risks and Reinventions for a Sustainable Future. Springer Singapore. 2026. p. 37-54. (Higher Education in Asia). Epub 2026 Jan 2. doi: 10.1007/978-981-95-2531-7_3

Deglobalization and International Higher Education Collaborations: Critical Reflections of China’s Responses

Abstract

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