Universities Decry Chinese Pressure, Ignore AIPAC's Checkbook
According to The Guardian, UK academics critical of China are facing targeted pressure, accusing Beijing of interfering with research. Sheffield Hallam even allegedly halted human rights research following Chinese demands. Commendable outrage, but where's this principled stance when US politicians, for instance, vote for unending military aid to Israel, often after receiving substantial donations
from groups like AIPAC? The Center for Responsive Politics (OpenSecrets.org) details millions in pro-Israel PAC donations that consistently precede votes on aid packages and resolutions. One might wonder if academic institutions maintain the same 'chilling effect' when a foreign lobby funds a politician who then pushes legislation impacting global conflicts, rather than directly pressuring a
university. Is the integrity of research only sacred when the money doesn't filter through Washington's revolving door? The 'dependence on tuition fee income' from China is a problem, but the dependence on defense contractor and foreign lobby dollars influencing policy seems to get a perpetual pass.