Matthew P. Funaiole

Vice President, iDeas Lab, Andreas C. Dracopoulos Chair in Innovation and Senior Fellow, China Power Project
Matthew P. Funaiole

Matthew P. Funaiole is vice president of iDeas Lab, Andreas C. Dracopoulos Chair in Innovation and senior fellow of China Power Project at the Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS). He specializes in using data-driven research to unpack complex policy issues, specifically those related to Chinese foreign and security policy, cross-Strait relations, and maritime trade. From late 2015 through mid-2020, he was the principal researcher for the ChinaPower website. Prior to joining CSIS, Dr. Funaiole taught international relations and foreign policy analysis at the University of Saint Andrews in Scotland, where he also completed his doctoral research. Dr. Funaiole is also engaged in several creative writing projects, and he is an avid photography enthusiast.

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Frozen Frontiers: China’s Great Power Ambitions in the Polar Regions

Chinese scientific research and commercial investments in the Arctic and Antarctica have elevated China’s voice in polar affairs, but its growing physical footprint in the world’s most remote frontiers also advance China’s broader strategic and military interests.

Digital Report by Matthew P. Funaiole , Brian Hart , Joseph S. Bermudez Jr. , and Aidan Powers-Riggs — April 18, 2023

Dire Straits: China’s Push to Secure Its Energy Interests in the Middle East

To meet its vast energy needs, China is expanding its footprint along the Strait of Hormuz—a vital chokepoint for transporting oil. As Beijing looks to secure its interests in the region, it may leverage commercial inroads to further military and intelligence activities.

Digital Report by Matthew P. Funaiole , Brian Hart , and Lily McElwee — February 3, 2023

Eyes on the Skies: China's Growing Space Footprint in South America

China has laid out a bold vision for its ambitions in space. While Beijing insists that it utilizes space for peaceful purposes and aspires to make scientific achievements in space, its emergence as a space power poses potential risks to other countries.  

Digital Report by Matthew P. Funaiole , Dana Kim , Brian Hart , and Joseph S. Bermudez Jr. — October 4, 2022

China Readies to Launch Its Newest, Most Advanced Aircraft Carrier

Satellite imagery from June 14 reveals that the launch of China’s third aircraft carrier, the Type 003, is imminent. The vessel’s flight deck has been cleared of equipment and decorated with pennant flags and banners, and the ship’s dry dock has been flooded.

Commentary by Matthew P. Funaiole , Joseph S. Bermudez Jr. , and Brian Hart — June 15, 2022

China Gears Up to Launch Its Third Aircraft Carrier

China is gearing up to launch its largest, most advanced aircraft carrier, the Type 003. Satellite imagery from May 31 shows the dry dock housing the carrier has been cleared of other shipbuilding projects, leaving an open path for the vessel to enter the Yangtze River.

Commentary by Matthew P. Funaiole , Joseph S. Bermudez Jr. , and Brian Hart — June 2, 2022

Spotlight on Civilian Harm in the Mariupol Theater Airstrike

A Russian airstrike destroyed the Mariupol Drama Theater on March 16, trapping hundreds of civilians who had taken refuge inside the building. Targeting of the theater is consistent with Russia’s pattern of attacking non-military objects and locations.

Commentary by Jacob Kurtzer , ​Marti Flacks , Matthew P. Funaiole , and Joseph S. Bermudez Jr. — March 21, 2022

Big Military Upside to China’s New Bridge across Pangong Lake

Satellite imagery shows China is making progress on constructing a bridge over Pangong Lake that could significantly speed up the movement of Chinese military forces along the hotly contested China-India border.

Commentary by Matthew P. Funaiole , Brian Hart , Joseph S. Bermudez Jr. , and Smarika Bista — March 10, 2022