Jeffrey Becker, Ph.D.
Research Program Director

BIOGRAPHY

Jeffrey Becker directs the Indo-Pacific Security Affairs Program. He is an expert in Chinese politics and Chinese foreign policy and security issues. Becker's recent work has focused on China's military as a global force, including China's military diplomacy, U.S.-China military engagement, and the security implications of China's expanding global presence.

Since 2014, Becker has supported the U.S. Navy with regard to China's participation in the multilateral "Rim of the Pacific" exercise (RIMPAC). As part of these efforts, Becker has worked along-side U.S. and Chinese exercise planners, and has spent time at sea aboard multiple Chinese navy ships in support of the exercise.

He has published work on Chinese politics and labor unrest in China, and his writings have appeared in the journals "Comparative Political Studies," the "Journal of Chinese Political Science," and the "Naval War College Review." His book publications and peer reviewed journal articles include 'From Peasants to Protesters: Social Ties, Resources, and Migrant Labor Contention in Contemporary China' (Lexington Books, 2014), "Who's at the Helm: Leadership in China's Navy" (U.S. Navy War College Review, 2016), and "The Knowledge to Act: Chinese Migrant Labor Protests in Comparative Perspective" (Comparative Political Studies, 2012).

Becker has a Ph.D. in political science from the George Washington University, an M.A. in political science from Columbia University, and a B.A. from Colgate University.

RECENT NEWS

Jeffrey Becker and Erica Downs write, “The fact that China is expanding its base in Djibouti is not particularly surprising. China has growing interests in East Africa and the Indian Ocean.”

East Asia Forum: “China’s Djibouti Military Base the First of Many”

Jeffrey Becker writes, "Operationally, China's navy will need to execute its primary responsibilities: carrying out China's 'far seas protection' operations."

The National Interest: "What Does China Want in Djibouti?"

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