Military-Industrial Partnerships in Higher Education: A Comparative Study of MIT and Tsinghua University’s Roles in National Security

• In Event: AERA Roundtable Session Friday 7:45 am - Gold 1
  In Roundtable Session: Allies or Agendas? The Politics of Educational Partnerships

Abstract

This research examines the roles of MIT and Tsinghua University in their nations' military-industrial-academic complexes over the past 70 years. Using primary sources, including institutional records, publications, and government directives, the research examines how these universities have navigated their relationships with military sectors. Key findings indicate that MIT’s democratic model has enabled greater academic autonomy and fostered ethical debate, with student-led activism influencing military collaborations. In contrast, Tsinghua operates under strict CCP oversight, limiting academic freedom and directing research toward national defense goals. The study also finds that the One, Big Beautiful Bill Act and restrictions on DEI have intensified MIT's military ties, while China’s political climate suppresses dissent at Tsinghua. This work engages with the theme of AERA 2026.

Author

• Yi Wu, Pennsylvania State University