High-level NBR event on U.S. China Policy

Please enjoy this guest blog post written by Jackson Leadership Fellow Dr. Christina Sciabarra.

The Jackson Foundation, in collaboration with NBR’s Pyle Center for Northeast Asian Studies, recently supported a small, private roundtable on the topic  “U.S. China Policy at a Historic Juncture.” NBR held the high-level forum to highlight recent important research it had published and to use it as a basis for discussion among scholars, practitioners, diplomats, and policymakers. Board Member John Hempelmann offered introductory remarks on Senator Jackson’s commitment to connect policymakers with scholars to ensure that decisions were based on the most current and relevant research available. He noted the Senator’s particular focus and interest in China, and his engagement with the region throughout his tenure in the Senate.

Former Ambassador to Afghanistan Karl Eikenberry, Director of the U.S.-Asia Security Initiative at the Shorenstein Asia-Pacific Research Center at Stanford University, gave the keynote remarks. He addressed China’s global goals and ambitions as well as the internal challenges that would need to be considered going forward. Experts from NBR discussed their recently published works, which provide greater insight into the regional dynamics and the possibly changing global order due to an increasingly powerful China. Of greatest interest was the discussion regarding China’s cooperation with Russia to challenge U.S. influence and democratic norms. The roundtable resulted in a deeper understanding of how to engage with China and a few cautionary notes for the future.

My inclusion in the roundtable demonstrates the Jackson Foundation’s commitment to support the academic research community and ensure that fellows are engaged in the work of Senator Jackson’s legacy. I am very appreciative of the Foundation’s support of the Fellows (alumni and present) and the roundtable will inform my own research and work with students.

-Christina Sciabarra, Ph.D.