During the week of March 25, the University of South Carolina’s Rule of Law Collaborative (ROLC) launched its first capacity-building workshop for the Understanding Chinese Engagement in South Asia (UCESA) Project. This event represents a significant milestone in ROLC’s efforts to enhance regional cooperation among research institutions studying Chinese influence in South Asia.
The workshop brought together key staff from leading research organizations in Bangladesh, India, Maldives, Nepal, and Sri Lanka. Instructors Kiel Downey and Atif Choudhury led the training, focusing on strengthening research methodologies and fostering cross-border collaboration on regional issues.
Designed to promote interactive learning, the workshop featured peer discussions, collaborative problem-solving, and expert feedback. This initiative supports the project’s broader goal of developing a strong research network in South Asia capable of effectively analyzing Chinese influence in the region.