Liberal arts projects in non-US contexts have existed since the 20th century. The 2006 joint venture between Sorbonne University, Université Paris Cité and the Government of Abu Dhabi has more than a decade of existence despite handling multiple affiliations and operating in an authoritative context. These two and countless other examples indicate transnational liberal arts programs are feasible, but what catalyzed such an unfortunate end for the Singaporean joint venture, and what can others learn from it?