Dr Obert Hodzi from the University of Liverpool Visits XJTLU

Dr. Obert Hodzi from the University of Liverpool visited Xi’an Jiaotong–Liverpool University as part of an academic delegation aimed at strengthening collaboration between the two institutions.

During his visit, Dr. Hodzi held a series of intensive meetings with colleagues from the Department of International Studies within the School of Social Sciences. On Monday, 23 March, he met with a departmental delegation in a meeting coordinated by the PGR Office, Dr. Alessandra Cappelletti and Research Officer, Dr. Fanglu Sun. The discussion focused on sharing best practices for attracting high-quality PhD applicants, as well as on strategies to enhance research cooperation. Further discussions explored the organization of joint academic activities, including workshops, guest lectures, postgraduate symposia, and in-person academic exchanges.

On the following day, Dr. Hodzi met with the Head of the Department of International Studies, Dr. Francesco Macheda, and the Director of the BA in International Relations, Dr. Lina Gong. The meeting focused on student exchange opportunities between the two universities and on further strengthening initiatives that bring together students from Liverpool and XJTLU. In particular, the discussion highlighted the potential for organizing interactive joint lectures, enabling students to engage in discussions on key global issues, thereby fostering cultural exchange, openness, and mutual learning.

During his visit, Dr. Hodzi also contributed to teaching activities by participating in a session of the International Political Economy course led by Dr. Afa’anwi Che. The session explored several foundational concepts, including the theory of comparative advantage, the calculation and significance of Gross Domestic Product (including the distinction between real and nominal values), the structure of the Balance of Payments, and the mechanics of exchange rates. Dr. Hodzi shared positive remarks about his experience with some XJTLU BA in International Relations students who had joined the University of Liverpool on the 2+2 programme, commending their academic competencies and skills.

Dr. Hodzi also delivered a seminar presentation to the Department of International Studies relating to Chinese aid and investments in Africa. In his presentation, he outlined the main arguments of his recently published book with Manchester University Press, United States and Chinese Foreign Assistance and Diplomacy.

Contributed by the Department of International Studies
Photo courtesy of Jasmine Wenjun Liu