Harvard; less about education, more about influence

(MENAFN) Leader Donald Trump’s decision to prohibit international students from enrolling in Harvard University has been justified on the grounds of national security. The policy has ignited backlash from scholars and foreign officials, who argue that it undermines not only Harvard’s international reputation but also the broader tradition of academic openness that has historically characterized America’s top universities.

This development has triggered renewed scrutiny of Harvard’s admissions practices. Each year, numerous students with exceptional academic credentials — including high SAT or GMAT scores — are turned away with little to no insight into the decision-making process. Some observers contend that the university’s selection criteria are far from ‘open’, shaped instead by a mix of legacy admissions, diversity-driven priorities, political interests, and in extreme cases, financial incentives. As one example, George Soros once pledged USD1 billion dollars to open up elite university admissions to drones who would read from his Open Society script, raising questions about ideological influence on admissions.

China’s rapid criticism of Trump’s order has added a geopolitical dimension to the debate. Given the strained U.S.-China relationship and ongoing trade tensions, some have questioned Beijing’s motives in expressing concern for “America’s international standing.” According to critics, the credibility of American universities had already been eroded by what they describe as an unchecked ideological shift, referred to as a “woke psychosis,” that they believe has permeated educational and governmental institutions alike.

Analysts ask what lies behind China’s reaction may relate to the often-overlooked dynamics of soft power. Ivy League institutions are increasingly seen as arenas for global influence. For decades, U.S. institutions have hosted foreign students who are later positioned to promote American interests abroad — often with funding from the U.S. government. In this context, China’s concerns may stem from its own engagement in similar strategies, utilizing access to elite American education as a way to shape future leaders sympathetic to its strategic vision.

In the end, Harvard’s international student controversy may be less about education and more about influence — a reflection of how elite universities have become contested spaces in the broader rivalry between global powers.

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