Director Dr. Jin (Julie) Zeng

Welcome to the Asian Studies Program at Florida International University! As the Director, I am thrilled to invite you to explore the rich and diverse cultures, histories, and languages of Asia. Our program is dedicated to providing a comprehensive and interdisciplinary education that fosters a deep understanding of this vibrant region. Whether you are a prospective student, current student, or community member, we offer a wide range of courses, events, and resources to support your academic and personal growth.

At FIU, we believe that studying Asia is not only about gaining knowledge but also about building bridges between cultures and fostering global citizenship. Asia plays a crucial role in the global economy, being home to some of the world's fastest-growing economies and leading technological innovations. Its rich cultural heritage and historical significance have shaped global art, literature, and philosophy. Our faculty members are experts in their fields, and they are committed to guiding you through your academic journey with passion and dedication. We encourage you to take advantage of the opportunities available, from language courses to study abroad programs, and to engage with our vibrant community. Welcome to a journey of discovery and connection with the dynamic and diverse world of Asia!

Dr. Jin (Julie) Zeng is Associate Professor of Politics and International Relations at Florida International University. Her primary research interests are Chinese investment in Latin America, agrarian studies in contemporary China, and political economy of development. She is the author of the book State-Led Privatization in China—The Politics of Economic Reform (Routledge, 2013), in which she examines the initiation, implementation, and dynamics of privatization in China. Building on rich fieldwork data gathered in three Chinese cities, the book offers the first comparative study of China’s privatization processes at the local level. Dr. Zeng has also published articles in scholarly journals such as The Journal of Peasant Studies, Third World Quarterly, Journal of Chinese Political Science, and Asian Perspective.

Dr. Zeng teaches courses on international political economy at both undergraduate and graduate levels, the international relations of East Asia, the political economy of China, Chinese Investment in Latin America, and comparative studies of privatization.

Dr. Zeng is currently working on two research projects. The first project is a book on rural land reform in contemporary China, with a focus on rural land titling and land commercialization. The book is based on her research on the topic in the past decade. Some of the major findings of her research on this project are presented in the article “Acceptance or Resistance?—Explaining Local Reactions to Land Titling in Three Chinese Villages,” published in The Journal of Peasant Studies (2020).

The second project examines China’s economic engagement with Latin America and the Caribbean (LAC). Her fieldwork across Chile, Brazil, and Costa Rica has sparked a keen interest in examining the digital expansion of China’s tech giant, Huawei, within the LAC region, especially amid escalating U.S.-China tensions. This ambitious undertaking culminates in a trilogy of scholarly papers:

1. “Busting Sanctions: Why Didn’t Brazil Follow America’s Lead to Ban Huawei?”: This paper explores the dynamics behind Brazil’s decision not to ban Huawei, focusing on causal narratives, cost considerations, and contingency. It is poised for submission to a premier journal in Spring 2025.
2. “Corporate Survival Amid Geopolitical Tensions—The Case of Huawei in Chile”: Co-authored with her doctoral student, Yuanhao Tian, this paper examines Huawei’s resilience in navigating geopolitical challenges in Chile. It will be included in the volume “Chinese Tech Goes Global,” edited by Elisa Oreglia from the University of London.
3. “Caught in the Crossfire: The Impact of U.S.-China Rivalry on Huawei’s 5G Operations in Costa Rica”: In collaboration with Costa Rican scholar Carlos Cascante, this paper examines the impact of U.S.-China rivalry on Huawei’s operations in Costa Rica. It is anticipated for submission to a reputable journal in May 2025.