Lauren Barney is a graduate of the Hopkins-Nanjing Center '16 and Johns Hopkins School of Advanced International Studies '17. During her time in Nanjing, Lauren was one of the international student representatives for the HNC's class committee (班委). She is currently a Foreign Affairs Officer with the U.S. Department of State.
This interview is conducted with Lauren Barney in her personal capacity. The views, opinions, and statements expressed in this interview are those of the individual and do not reflect the official policy or position of the U.S. Department of State, the U.S. government, or any of its affiliated agencies. This conversation is intended solely for informational and educational purposes.
I was studying Chinese and political science at the University of Pittsburgh, and I was searching for a strong graduate program where students could spend time in the PRC. HNC was the perfect opportunity for rigorous study in Mandarin with great support that only a 50-50 joint venture partnership can provide.
Can you tell us about how you ended up at your current role as a Foreign Affairs officer at the State Department?
Like every career, my career has been a winding road thus far. I pivoted to Chinese-linguist analyst work after my internship at the State Department. I was recruited back to the Department to focus on Sino-Middle Eastern relations and worked to find a permanent position within the Department. I am currently a Foreign Affairs Officer in the Bureau of South and Central Asian Affairs covering transnational economic issues and the Indo-Pacific Strategy.
How did you develop your interest in Sino-Iranian relations?
At the Hopkins-Nanjing Center, I took Professor Cai Jiahe’s class on the PRC’s foreign policy and Islamic fundamentalism and noticed the disconnect between the PRC’s and United States’ understandings of the Middle East. My background learning Hebrew and visiting the Middle East from a young age drove me to use my unique skill set and expand that skill set in my career. I started to learn Farsi and Arabic as well. I hope to apply my language skills and expertise as I continue in my career.
How often do you use Chinese in your current position or other skills you gained while studying at the HNC?
I have used my Chinese language skills throughout my career including when interacting with Chinese interlocutors and conducting research as needed from Chinese sources.
Any advice you would give to current or future HNC students about the type of work you currently do as a diplomat and as a specialist in Sino-Iranian relations?
Take advantage of being in the PRC and get out into the community in Nanjing. In-country experience is invaluable and arguably more important than what you learn in the classroom. It might take a while to feel comfortable seeking these opportunities, but you can do it!
