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 says, "Over the past decade, we have seen China massively invest in infrastructure projects in Cambodia. At the same time, the two sides are strengthening military cooperation, including joint exercises, financial and technical assistance, and arms sales"

Thanh Nien: "The Risk of China Setting up Military Bases in Southeast Asia"

Jeffrey Becker says, "The PLA's overseas Covid-19 operations are part of larger efforts to create an image of China as a responsible global actor, shifting the narrative away from its initial mishandling of the crisis."

South China Morning Post: "Coronavirus Response: China's Military May Have Filled the Gap Left by the U.S. but It's Only Temporary, Experts Say

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