Tuesday, December 1, 2020 | 4:00 PM EST - 5:00 PM EST
Zoom webinar | David Shambaugh
Renowned China scholar David Shambaugh describes the broad-gauged and global competition for power, especially in Asia, underway between the United States and China in his new book, Where Great Powers Meet. Concentrating on Southeast Asia, Professor Shambaugh notes that the two countries constantly vie for position and influence across this highly significant area; the outcome of the contest may determine whether Asia leaves the American orbit after seventy years and falls into a Chinese sphere of influence.
The United States maintains strengths: deep and broad security ties, soft power, and direct investment across the region that outweigh China’s. On the other hand, China has more diplomatic influence, much greater trade, and geographic proximity. In assessing the likelihood of a regional power transition, Dr. Shambaugh examines how the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) and its member states maneuver and the degree to which they align with one or the other power.
The National Committee held a virtual program on December 1, 2020 with Professor David Shambaugh to look at the geopolitical future of Southeast Asia amidst the possibility of renewed great power competition in the region.
David Shambaugh
David Shambaugh is Gaston Sigur Professor of Asian Studies, Political Science, & International Affairs and the founding director of the China Policy Program in the Elliott School of International Affairs at George Washington University. Before joining the GW faculty, Professor Shambaugh taught Chinese politics at the University of London’s School of Oriental & African Studies (SOAS) and was editor of The China Quarterly.
He also worked at the U.S. Department of State and National Security Council. He served on the board of directors of the National Committee on U.S.-China Relations, and is a member of the Council on Foreign Relations, U.S. Asia-Pacific Council, and other public policy and scholarly organizations. A frequent commentator in the international media, he sits on numerous editorial boards, and has been a consultant to governments, research institutions, foundations, universities, corporations, banks, and investment funds. Professor Shambaugh has published more than 30 books and 300 articles.
Dr. Shambaugh received his bachelor’s degree in East Asian studies from George Washington University, his master’s degree in international affairs from Johns Hopkins University School of Advanced International Studies, and his doctorate in political science from the University of Michigan.
