“China’s rise” has been a subject of great debate and misunderstanding since the term was coined to explain the PRC’s rapid economic growth and growing political influence since the 1980s. Policymakers and international media outlets have grappled with these complex and interconnected issues, understanding of which requires significant research experience, methodology training, and local knowledge and networks.

Policymakers and the media need to hear from independent voices willing to rigorously research, transparently defend, and openly document the most pressing geopolitical and social issues of the 21st century. There is, therefore, an urgent need for independent scholarly research on politics, economy, and society in contemporary China that provides rigorous, academically informed work in accessible forms. 

The International Network for Critical China Studies (INCCS) fills these knowledge gaps by publishing detailed policy reports by academic experts and hosting research-based workshops that ask the big and difficult questions about "China's rise."

2025 INCCS Workshop, "Preventing Transnational Repression," London.

The International Network for Critical China Studies (INCCS) is an independent network of university-based scholars who research the difficult questions related to the politics, economy, and society of China. 

INCCS fills the big gaps in knowledge on China by publishing detailed policy reports by experts, hosting research-based workshops, and arranging online events by academics with research track records and significant fieldwork experience.

INCCS is an independent network of university-based scholars who research the politics, economy, and society of China, united by a commitment to academic freedom, critical analysis, and truth-telling.

Director: Dr David Tobin (University of Sheffield)

Steering Committee

Dr Elise Anderson (George Washington University)

Professor Elena Barabantseva (University of Manchester)

Professor William A Callahan (Singapore Management University)

Dr Timothy A Grose (Rose-Hulman)

Professor Abdürreşit C. Karluk (Ankara Haci Bayram Veli University)

Professor Astrid Nordin (Kings' College London)

Dr David O’Brien (Jagiellonian University)

Dr Eric Schluessel (George Washington University)

Dr David Stroup (University of Manchester)

Dr Hannah Theaker (University of Plymouth)