Political and Security Affairs (PSA)
About Political and Security Affairs
NBR’s Political and Security Affairs (PSA) group hosts one of the most innovative, insightful, and influential research initiatives focused on the political and security issues in the Asia-Pacific that are of critical importance to the United States.
Impact
“NBR’s Strategic Asia series is an unparalleled resource for the classroom, the board room, and the situation room. My staff used it at the NSC and it is serves as a core text for courses I now teach at Georgetown.”
Michael J. Green, Former Senior Director for Asian Affairs, National Security Council, and Professor, Georgetown University
To better inform the development of U.S. policies in the Asia-Pacific region, PSA research and analyses are broadly disseminated to key leaders within the U.S. government and throughout Capitol Hill, as well as to the academic and corporate communities. NBR leadership interacts with key policymakers on a regular basis to ensure that PSA analysis addresses today’s, and tomorrow’s, most pressing issues.
Expert Profiles
Ashley Tellis
Senior Advisor
Director, Strategic Asia Program
Roy Kamphausen
Senior Advisor
Director, PLA Studies
Travis Tanner
Senior Project Director
Director, Pyle Center
Mahin Karim
Senior Associate, South Asia
Abraham Denmark
Vice President, Political and Security Affairs
PSA draws from a network of top Asia specialists and international relations experts from across the United States and around the world to assemble project teams based on their areas of expertise. This flexible approach allows for innovative research that directly informs policy leaders with actionable analysis on a range of strategic issues.
PSA’s research is conducted within several major programs:
Strategic Asia
The Asia-Pacific region is quickly emerging as the global geopolitical center of gravity. The vast majority of the history of the 21st century will be written in this region, and NBR’s signature annual publication—Strategic Asia—provides insightful, actionable analysis on the most challenging issues facing the region today and in the future.
The John M. Shalikashvili Chair in National Security Studies
Named in memory of the former Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff and former member of NBR’s Board of Directors, the John M. Shalikashvili Chair drives research and hosts events designed to explore the national security issues the United States will confront in the Asia-Pacific. The Chair is currently held by former Commander of U.S. Pacific Command Admiral Thomas Fargo (Ret.).
China Security Studies
The rapid modernization of China’s military capabilities is already changing regional power balances and driving changes to the strategies, postures, and investments of militaries throughout the Asia-Pacific. PSA conducts an annual invitation-only conference on the People’s Liberation Army (PLA), each of which results in an in-depth publication of analyses on a specific theme. The most recent PLA conference examined key developments in the PLA under the leadership of Hu Jintao.
China’s Rising Leaders Initiative
Under the leadership of prominent scholar Cheng Li (Brookings Institution) and Ambassador J. Stapleton Roy (Woodrow Wilson Center), NBR has welcomed two delegations of mid-career, up-and-coming leaders from the PRC tothe United States for meetings with key decision-makers in government and influential figures in the business and nonprofit communities. This year’s group represents a diverse set of institutions in China—including a sitting judge, several leading scholars, well-known journalists, and business leaders—and many will go on to play vital roles inside China for decades to come.
Kenneth B. and Anne H.H. Pyle Center for Northeast Asian Studies
Named in honor of NBR’s founding president and his wife, the Pyle Center conducts research on Northeast Asia to advance the comprehensive study of the region, particularly as it pertains to its security, political, and economic dynamics.
Asia Policy
Asia Policy is a peer-reviewed scholarly journal presenting policy-relevant academic research on the Asia-Pacific that draws clear and concise conclusions useful to today’s policymakers. All content is free for 60 days after publication. Roundtables, Book Reviews, and Policy Q&As are always free.
Strengthening the Asia-Pacific Order
For decades, American power in the Asia-Pacific has sustained an order that has brought stability and prosperity to the entire region. In the coming years, a rapidly changing balance of power and persistent security threats will increase demand for American leadership. To address these challenges during a time of looming budgetary constraints at home, the U.S. will increasingly look to its allies and partners to play a more strategic role in provisioning public goods and maintaining regional stability. This initiative will improve understanding of the roles alliances and partnerships play in U.S. strategy toward Asia, explore the interests and concerns of American allies and partners, and identify opportunities to enhance engagement and cooperation between them and the United States.