
Jeffrey Becker, Ph.D.
Senior Research Scientist
BIOGRAPHY
Jeffrey Becker is an expert in Chinese politics and Chinese foreign policy and security issues. His 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
December 4, 2018According to the CNA report, China’s Military Support Facility in Djibouti: The Economic and Security Dimensions of China’s First Overseas Base, “China’s naval facility in Djibouti will support four other key missions: intelligence collection, non-combat evacuation operations, peacekeeping operation support, and counterterrorism.”
The Diplomat: “China’s Djibouti Base: A One Year Update”
June 27, 2018Jeffrey 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?"
September 27, 2017Erica Downs and Jeff Becker write "On September 22, Chinese troops staged their first live-fire exercises at China's first overseas military base, which opened in Djibouti on August 1."
The National Interest: "China's Presence in Djibouti Is Not a National Security Threat-Yet"
July 26, 2017CNA publishes China’s Military Support Facility in Djibouti: The Economic and Security Dimensions of China’s First Overseas Base by Erica Downs, Ph.D., Jeffrey Becker, Ph.D., and Patrick deGategno
April 29, 2017The Diplomat publishes “What Is the PLA’s Role in Promoting China-Cambodia Relations?” by CNA analyst Jeffrey Becker, Ph.D.
AREAS OF EXPERTISE
Foreign MilitariesForeign PolicyAsiaChina
KEYWORDS
Asian Security Issues
Foreign Media Signaling
Leadership Analysis
Security Cooperation
International Development
International Security
Maritime Security
Economics
Popular Protest
Chinese Domestic Politics
CNA DIVISION
China Studies
RECENT PUBLICATIONS
China's Military Support Facility in Djibouti: The Economic and Security Dimensions of China's First Overseas Base
The Rise of Admiral Sun Jianguo and the Future of U.S.-China Naval Relations
Who's at the Helm? The Past, Present, and Future Leaders of China's Navy
China's Military Modernization: The Legacy of Admiral Wu Shengli
Recent Personnel Shifts Hint at Major Changes on the Horizon for PLA Navy Leadership