North America and European Union Policy Changes Towards Higher Education Relations with China: A Comparative Study

Current geopolitical tensions have impacted higher education relations between China and the West. Bridging a gap in literature, this research compares convergence and divergence of North America (NA) and European Union (EU) policy changes towards higher education relations with China. Drawing on Multiple Streams Framework, this study highlights divergent rationales and outcomes between the NA policies aimed at decoupling (de-Chinaization) and the EU policies focused on derisking in continuing engagement. Both regions strive to enhance research security and diversify students recruitment, yet the NA intensifies visa restrictions and funding scrutiny, whereas the EU maneuvers to balance the risks of such engagement with the benefits. These shifts remind us Brubacher's political philosophy of higher education, underscoring the value-laden nature of higher learning and policy decisions.