 Jeffrey Ding’s Technology and the Rise of Great Powers: How Diffusion Shapes Economic Competition explores how nations rise to power—not just by inventing new technologies but by adopting and adapting innovations from others. It’s a fascinating look at how economic competition plays out on the world stage and what it means for global leadership today.
The book challenges the idea that technological dominance is simply about breakthroughs. Instead, Ding highlights how technologies spread—or diffuse—across borders and industries, shaping economic and political power along the way. He argues that diffusion often matters more than invention, especially for nations looking to catch up with global leaders. For a community like Iowa City, with its connections to research, education, and innovation, this perspective opens up meaningful conversations about how local resources and expertise can have an impact far beyond our region. Ding’s analysis of China’s rise as a technological powerhouse stands out. Rather than framing it as a straightforward rivalry with the United States, he focuses on how China has successfully adapted foreign technologies to fuel its growth. It’s a balanced and thought-provoking take that encourages a closer look at interconnectedness rather than competition alone. This resonates with the ICFRC’s focus on fostering dialogue about global cooperation and shared challenges. The book also raises big questions about governance in a rapidly changing world. From cybersecurity concerns to the ethical challenges of artificial intelligence, Ding underscores the need for thoughtful policies to keep up with innovation. These ideas connect directly to the Council’s mission of encouraging informed discussions about international issues that affect all of us—locally and globally. For those interested in the future of economic competition, Technology and the Rise of Great Powers also touches on what it takes to sustain innovation—long-term investments in education, research, and workforce development. It’s a reminder that preparing for the future isn’t just about technological advances; it’s about creating systems that support growth and collaboration. These themes feel especially relevant to Iowa City’s role as a hub for learning and idea-sharing. As ICFRC prepares to host Jeffrey Ding later this month, the book provides a great foundation for the upcoming conversation. Ding’s visit offers a chance to dive deeper into topics like technological sovereignty, economic strategies, and what it takes to stay competitive in an interconnected world. It’s also an opportunity to connect with others in the community who care about these issues and want to learn more about how global trends are shaping our lives. Technology and the Rise of Great Powers is more than a book about competition—it’s about possibility. It invites readers to think about how technology can build bridges, not just barriers, and how we can all play a role in shaping the future. With Jeffrey Ding coming to Iowa City, there’s no better time to start exploring these ideas. Join our next speaking event with DR. Ding here: https://www.icfrc.org/events.html
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NewsTHE DAILY IOWANUniversity of Iowa students to educate eastern Iowans on immigration, refugee experiences Iowa City Press-CitizenIowa City group creates series highlighting refugee and immigrant experiences in Iowa Iowa Public RadioIowa council hosts conversation on immigrants' and refugees' role in public policy BooksWatch the April 13th event where we'll hear from Andrea Wilson, Chuy Renteria, Eyad Said, & Antonia Rivera about 'Writing & Reading the Refugee & Immigrant Experience' Recommended Reading
  MoviesStories of Migration
REFUGEE RESOURCE DIRECTORY The Refugee Alliance of Central Iowa has created a directory of services and programs throughout the community that are beneficial to refugee communities in Iowa. Their webpage has additional information regarding resettlement agencies, ethnic community based organizations, employment and financial assistance, food assistance, and healthcare services. HUMANITIES IOWA ICFRC's Refugee and Immigrant series was funded in part through a grant from Humanities Iowa. You can find information on a diverse range of arts and humanities topics on their website. They also advertise many events and programs that may interest you!
Catherine Mcauley center The Catherine McAuley Center (CMC), located in Cedar Rapids, IA, serves immigrants, refugees, and women experiencing crisis. The Center offers one-on-one tutoring, group learning tailored to adults, employment education and advising, as well as assistance navigating community resources. You can contribute to the CMC by volunteering your time or giving monetary support. You can find more ways to support the important work they are doing on their website including a wish list and various volunteering opportunities. REFUGEE AND IMMIGRANT ASSOCIATION The Refugee and Immigrant Association is a dedicated group of refugees and Iowans who aim to provide community education, increase issue awareness, and distribute financial support for all refugees and immigrants. They are continuously working toward a community that participates and actively contributes in helping refugees and immigrants integrate successfully into the community. The Refugee and Immigrant Association is accepting many forms of donation including monetary support, household items, vehicles and transportation, and land or office space to aid them in their headquarter expansion. Ic compassion IC Compassion offers numerous services that all aim to help refugees, immigrants, and people at the point of moving out of poverty. Services include, but are not limited to, ESL tutoring, workshops, counseling help, citizenship classes, food assistance, and free legal services. You can get involved in their important work through becoming a tutor, providing meals or moving assistance, organizing fundraisers, or offering monetary support. THE ETHNIC MINORITIES OF BURMA ADVOCACY AND RESOURCE CENTER (EMBARC) While EMBARC was originally founded to aid Burmese refugees resettling in Iowa, they have expanded to aid other newly arriving refugee group through their RISE AmeriCorps Program. EMBARC is unique in the fact that they are Iowa's first and only refugee-led service provider; this allows them to understand more clearly the needs, hopes, dreams, and challenges that face refugees first arriving in Iowa. You can extend your own skills and time to help EMBARC create opportunities for all refugee communities. Volunteers are welcome to serve on-site in Des Moines and Waterloo, Iowa or remotely. EMBARC is currently seeking assistance in tutoring, translating and interpreting, completing food and medical forms, delivering donations, and mentoring AmeriCorps members or client families. You can learn more by visiting their website or emailing [email protected]. MONSOON ASIANS AND PACIFIC ISLANDERS IN SOLIDARITY Monsoon was founded to address the lack of sufficient services to the Asian and Pacific Islander immigrants in Iowa. They focus their efforts on providing support to victims/survivors of domestic violence and sexual assault in Asian and Pacific Islander communities in Iowa. You can get involved with Monsoon's life-changing work through either their community outreach or advocacy volunteer section. Monsoon will thoroughly train all volunteers and equip them with the knowledge they need to succeed prior to beginning any volunteering efforts. Reach out to [email protected] to get more information on how you can get involved! Open Heartland Open Heartland is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization in Iowa City whose mission is to celebrate the richness and strength of our diverse community by fostering inclusivity, building relationships, and reaffirming our shared humanity. Since its inception in 2019, Open Heartland has grown to become a community and resource center for local Latinx families working with over 250 families that have immigrated from Mexico and Central America in the last 15 years.
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