Bonny Lin is director of the China Power Project and senior adviser at the Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS). Previously, she was the acting associate director of the Strategy and Doctrine Program of RAND Project AIR FORCE and a political scientist at the RAND Corporation, where she analyzed different aspects of China’s foreign and defense policy and U.S. competition with China, including China’s use of gray zone tactics against U.S. allies and partners. Her research advised senior leaders in the Department of Defense, including military leaders at U.S. Pacific Air Forces and U.S. Army Pacific. Dr. Lin also served in the Office of the Secretary of Defense from 2015 to 2018, where she was director for Taiwan, country director for China, and senior adviser for China. Dr. Lin has testified in front of the Senate Armed Services Committee, House Foreign Affairs Committee, and the U.S.-China Economic and Security Review Commission. She is a member of the Council on Foreign Relations and an adjunct at the RAND Corporation and Institute for Defense Analysis (IDA). Dr. Lin holds a PhD in political science from Yale University, a master’s degree in Asian studies with a focus on China from the University of Michigan, and a bachelor’s degree in government from Harvard College.
Media Queries
- Sofia Chavez
- Media Relations Manager, External Relations
- 202.775.7317
- SChavez@csis.org
In the News 8 of 106 results
Trump has no qualms weighing in on all matters. So why is he silent about Xi’s military purge?
Bonny Lin cited in The Strait Times — January 29, 2026
Geopolitics in the Indo-Pacific for 2026: A Conversation With Bonny Lin
Bonny Lin appearance on Taiwan Plus News — January 27, 2026
China's top generals under investigation as country's leader clears out ranks
Bonny Lin cited in NPR — January 26, 2026
Trump Tackles Concerns Over Taiwan Strategy With Massive Weapons Deal
Bonny Lin cited in Wall Street Journal — December 18, 2025
中日外交僵局難解:持續拉鋸是否成為新常態?
Bonny Lin cited in BBC — December 11, 2025
'China potentially setting the stage to use military force' against Japan, analyst says
Bonny Lin cited in France 24 — December 10, 2025
Como um rompante da premiê do Japão jogou fogo na tensão regional do país com a China
Bonny Lin cited in Estadão — December 8, 2025
China's Generals, Purges and Power Plays
Bonny Lin cited in Hoover Institution — November 25, 2025
All Bonny Lin Content
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Taiwan's Upcoming Presidential Inauguration: A Conversation with Dr. Lauren Dickey
Podcast Episode by Bonny Lin and Lauren Dickey — May 17, 2024
Unpacking China’s PLA Restructuring: A Conversation with Dr. Joel Wuthnow
Podcast Episode by Bonny Lin — May 9, 2024
China’s Leftover Women: A Conversation with Dr. Leta Hong Fincher
Podcast Episode by Bonny Lin — April 25, 2024
A Chinese Perspective on the Russia-Ukraine War: A Conversation with Dr. Zhao Hai
Podcast Episode by Bonny Lin — April 12, 2024
Chinese Interference in Taiwan's 2024 Elections and Lessons Learned
Event — April 10, 2024
The Political Thought of Xi Jinping: A Conversation with Dr. Steve Tsang
Podcast Episode by Bonny Lin — March 28, 2024
National Security with Chinese Characteristics: A Conversation with Dr. Sheena Chestnut Greitens
Podcast Episode by Bonny Lin — March 15, 2024
China’s Perspective on the Current Middle East Crises: A Conversation with Mr. Tuvia Gering
Podcast Episode by Bonny Lin — March 1, 2024
Shedding Light on China’s Hidden Reach: A Conversation with Dr. Matthew Funaiole and Mr. Brian Hart
Podcast Episode by Bonny Lin, Matthew P. Funaiole, and Brian Hart — February 16, 2024
Unpacking China’s Nuclear Modernization: A Conversation with Hans Kristensen
Podcast Episode by Bonny Lin — January 31, 2024