| Aid Refugee Chinese Intellectuals | |
| Abbreviation: | ARCI |
| Formation: | Early 1950s |
| Type: | Refugee assistance program |
| Purpose: | To assist Chinese intellectuals fleeing the communist regime in China |
| Headquarters: | United States |
| Region Served: | Asia |
| Key People: | Dean Rusk |
| Parent Organization: | United States Government |
The Aid Refugee Chinese Intellectuals (ARCI) program was an initiative by the United States during the early 1950s to assist educated ethnic Chinese fleeing the Communist regime in China. The private volunteer organization (PVO) program was part of a broader Cold War strategy, intending to support individuals who could contribute to the fight against communism with their education and skills.[1]
In the aftermath of the Chinese Civil War and the establishment of the People's Republic of China, many intellectuals and professionals sought refuge from the communist regime. The United States, amidst the Cold War tensions, initiated the ARCI program to support these individuals, recognizing their potential value in the ideological battle against communism.[2] [3] [4]
The ARCI program offered a broad definition of "intellectuals," including anyone with at least two years of education. This inclusivity allowed many ex-military and ex-police personnel to register, leveraging their training in military academies or similar institutions. The United States government provided substantial funding to the program, indicating its significant role as an instrument of U.S. foreign policy during the Cold War.
A notable event in the ARCI program's history was a fundraising event at the Hotel Plaza in New York on April 28, 1952. Dean Rusk, who later became the United States Secretary of State, delivered the opening address.[5] [6]
The ARCI program reflects the complex dynamics of humanitarian aid, geopolitical strategy, and the politics of refugee assistance during the mid-twentieth century. It underscores the multifaceted roles that refugee programs can play, from supporting individuals in need to advancing a nation's foreign policy objectives and strategically managing migration flows.