USC Summer Programs Student Uses Ballet to Examine Global Power and Influence

In a world that’s more connected than ever, the field of international relations can help us understand how to bridge our differences. That’s what one high schooler discovered in her pre-college course at USC, where she wrote a final paper on global power and ballet that was recently accepted for publication in a journal.

Every year, hundreds of high schoolers come to USC for a month over the summer to take college-level courses. USC Summer Programs attracts students from around the world — including Lucy Wei, a high school junior from Beijing, China, who enrolled in the “International Relations” course last summer.

“I took the course mainly because of my diverse international background. Having lived on three continents, I’ve always been very curious about how the world works, how countries interact with each other and the history behind how the world developed into what it is today,” Wei explained.

Those are exactly the types of topics students explore in the “International Relations” course. Over the summer, participants earn college credit while examining the causes of global conflict and potential paths to peace. Coursework also covers issues like terrorism, human rights, and the influence of religion and pop culture on politics — making it an ideal fit for students interested in careers in law, diplomacy, politics or humanitarian work.

During the course, participants complete independent research projects, allowing them to dive deeper into topics that interest them. Wei — who said she “absolutely loved” the course — took a unique approach, combining her passions for history and dance.

“In my ‘Modern European History’ class my sophomore year, I was intrigued by the idea of soft power, which is the ability to influence international outcomes through political values, traditions and culture,” Wei said. “So I thought about writing a research paper [for the summer programs course] on how ballet acted as a form of Russian soft power. It connected my two interests perfectly.”

While some might overlook the role of dance in global politics, Wei developed a compelling argument that impressed program faculty.

“Russia was initially seen as culturally underdeveloped and industrially behind, but it utilized ballet as a political tool to revamp its image,” Wei explained. “I examined case studies like ballet during the Soviet era, iconic performances like ‘The Nutcracker’ and their political goals, as well as ballet during the Cold War and modern-day soft power dynamics. I ended with lessons for modern diplomacy.”

Her broader takeaway underscored the importance of soft power in global relations, illustrating how cultural forces like art, music and cuisine can shape international influence more effectively than traditional displays of force.

Although the idea originated with Wei, she credits the program’s faculty and teaching assistants for helping her refine her work.

“They pushed me to become a better researcher — to filter sources, analyze them more closely and consider multiple perspectives,” she said. “For example, I didn’t just highlight ballet’s role in shaping Russia’s image, but also its limitations.”

Wei’s research made an impression beyond the classroom. After encouragement from friends and family, she submitted her paper to an online journal, Empedocles: European Journal for the Philosophy of Communication, where it is now set to be published.

“To be honest, I didn’t expect my paper to be published at all,” she said. “But when I shared it with others, they encouraged me to reach a broader audience.”

Lucy’s professor Douglas Becker, who is an associate professor of political science, international relations and environmental studies at USC Dornsife College of Letters, Arts and Sciences, said the course’s intensive approach prepares students to engage with international relations at the college level.

 “We have a lot of fun in the classroom with simulations and role play exercises,” Becker said. “But we also push the students to fully understand what college-level research involves.  And Lucy shows what a truly talented and dedicated student can do with this research.  I’m so proud of the work she’s done!”

While the publication is a standout achievement, Wei says it’s just one part of what made the experience meaningful. From building friendships to engaging with faculty and immersing herself in campus life, the program left a lasting impact.

“I’m so grateful for this opportunity,” Wei said. “Not only did I have a great time, but the class encouraged me to become a better learner and helped me connect my interests in ways I never had before.”

Learn more about USC Summer Programs today.