The Marshall Papers

The Papers will be rigorous yet provocative, continually pushing the boundaries of intellectual and policy debates

The Marshall Papers is a new essay series edited by Jude Blanchette of CSIS and Hal Brands of SAIS that will probe and challenge​ the assessments underpinning the U.S. approach to great power rivalry.

All The Marshall Papers Content

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Could Allies Decide the Future of the Indo-Pacific?

In this Marshall Paper, Phillips P. O’Brien assesses the critical importance of allies in deciding major conflicts. O’Brien argues that the U.S. allies appear strong on paper, but a long conflict may hinge more on commitment than on capability.

Brief by Phillips O'Brien — April 1, 2025

Soviet Lessons for China Watching

In this Marshall Paper, Ford Hart argues that Chinese Communist Party (CCP) political institutions, the CCP’s behavior, and veneration of Marxism-Leninism in the CCP constitution highlight the Soviet model's deep influence on Beijing. 

Brief by Ford Hart — November 21, 2024

Not Just Boots on the Beach

In this Marshall Paper, Jude Blanchette and Hal Brands explore four coercive approaches that Beijing could use to change the status quo around Taiwan short of outright invasion or blockade.

Brief by Jude Blanchette and Hal Brands — July 25, 2024

A World of Blocs

This essay by Aaron Friedberg outlines three evolving geopolitical groupings—U.S.-aligned democracies, an “authoritarian axis” led by China and Russia, and the Global South—and explores how the United States and partners should navigate this changing global order.

Brief by Aaron L. Friedberg — April 6, 2023

A Green Wave?

This essay by Jessica Drun examines political and ideological trends in Taiwan and their implications for U.S. policy.

Brief by Jessica Drun — November 22, 2022

Sanctions, SWIFT, and China’s Cross-Border Interbank Payments System

This paper investigates how far China has gone in creating alternatives to SWIFT, Western banks, and the dollar, explores whether Russia and other countries might be drawn toward this parallel international financial universe, and unpacks its economic and political implications.

Brief by Barry Eichengreen — May 20, 2022