Freeman Chair in China Studies
The Freeman Chair in China Studies is a leading source of insight and analysis on China’s evolving political system and the dynamics that impact its domestic policy agenda and external behavior
The Freeman Chair in China Studies is a leading source of insight and analysis on China’s evolving political system and the dynamics that impact its domestic policy agenda and external behavior. Our mission is to shape the public policy debate by providing timely and objective analysis that challenges the status quo and informs policymakers, the public, and corporate executives on the most important issues impacting China’s political trajectory.
Our work focuses on five key areas:
- Leadership politics
- Policy- and decisionmaking
- Party-state governance
- Political discourse and the role of ideology
- Sources of political stability and risk
CSIS Freeman Chair in China Studies was established in the late 1990s to advance the study of China and to promote understanding between the United States and the countries of the Asia-Pacific region. The Freeman Chair in China Studies was founded and continues to be guided by the principles of Houghton “Buck” Freeman (1921-2010).
Contact Information
- Michael Knaak
- Program Manager, Freeman Chair in China Studies
- 202.775.7316
- mknaak@csis.org
Media Queries
- H. Andrew Schwartz
- Chief Communications Officer
- 202.775.3242
- aschwartz@csis.org
- Samuel Cestari
- Media Relations Coordinator, External Relations
- 202.775.7317
- scestari@csis.org
Current Projects
Interpret: China is a Freeman Chair in China Studies project that seeks to enable a more objective understanding of China through the translation and analysis of primary source material.
The project seeks to transform how policymakers, companies, researchers, journalists and the broader public understand China.
Featured Analysis

Photo: dore art/Adobe Stock
Defining Success: Does the United States Need an “End State” for Its China Policy?
Report by Jude Blanchette and Lily McElwee — October 7, 2024

Advancing U.S.-China Coordination amid Strategic Competition: An Emerging Playbook
Brief by Ryan Hass, Ryan McElveen, and Lily McElwee — January 15, 2025

Building International Support for Taiwan
Brief by Jude Blanchette, Ryan Hass, and Lily McElwee — February 13, 2024
All Freeman Chair in China Studies Content
Filter by
U.S. Allies and Partners Under the Trump Administration
Event — February 18, 2025
How the CCP Finances its Global Ambitions
Podcast Episode by Jude Blanchette — February 13, 2025

China's Power: Up for Debate 2025
Event — February 11, 2025
How Long Will Deterrence Hold?
Podcast Episode by Michael J. Green — February 4, 2025



What Happens if Xi Jinping Dies in Office?
Podcast Episode by Jude Blanchette — January 17, 2025

Advancing U.S.-China Coordination amid Strategic Competition: An Emerging Playbook
Brief by Ryan Hass, Ryan McElveen, and Lily McElwee — January 15, 2025
Beyond Competing: The Security Treadmill
Podcast Episode by Michael J. Green — January 7, 2025

