Bangchen Ruan, MA'20 (CIR)

Now a doctoral student in Political Science at the University of Chicago, Bangchen Ruan began his graduate studies in the Committee on International Relations MA program. “The University of Chicago has been my dream school since high school,” he says. “It's one of the few institutions in the country that still emphasizes the importance of grand theory and groundbreaking ideas. While much of modern research focuses on hypothesis testing with novel quantitative methods, UChicago continues to value the generation of new hypotheses and theories.”

During his time in the CIR program, Bangchen worked most closely with Professor Robert Pape. “During the spring quarter of CIR, I had the opportunity to engage in weekly one-on-one discussions with him through a reading course, where we reviewed my MA thesis paragraph by paragraph,” he says. He notes this close working relationship not only resulted in an honors MA thesis but also convinced his advisor that he was a strong PhD applicant for top programs in the country.

Currently focused on issues of international security, he uses archival resources to examine the decision-making processes of great powers during power transitions. That work builds on his MA thesis, Who is the Aggressor, and Who is the Status Quo Power? Changing Threat Perception in Great Power Politics, which argued that behavioral changes, rather than military capabilities, shape great power threat perceptions. The extensive dissertation writing support provided by the Department of Political Science, including office space and regular interactions with faculty members, has been invaluable as he works on his dissertation. 

Beyond the research support, he is grateful for the rigorous and supportive environment that has pushed him to excel. He advises prospective students to consider whether they are ready to commit to UChicago’s high academic standards and intellectual rigor. He says, “The biggest challenge is managing the heavy workload and meeting the high expectations set by both my advisor and peers.” Looking back on his time in CIR, he believes the rigor prepared him for his PhD program. “I believe the best work can only be produced in such a demanding and high-pressure environment,” he says.

As a Hyde Park resident for the last four years, Bangchen has embraced the vibrant community and opportunities to engage with the city provided by the University. “One of my favorite perks is the student discount at the Chicago Symphony Orchestra, which lets me enjoy world-class symphonies at an affordable price of just $15,” he says. 

After graduation, he plans to pursue an academic career at a U.S. research university and eventually return to China, applying his theoretical innovations to improve Sino-U.S. relations.