Susan Shirk

Susan Shirk is a China scholar with expertise in Chinese politics, foreign policy, and U.S.-China relations. She served as deputy assistant secretary of state in the Bureau of East Asian and Pacific Affairs, where she contributed to shaping American policy toward China during a period of transformation. Shirk is a professor emeritus at the University of California, San Diego, and the founding chair of the 21st Century China Center, a research hub focused on contemporary China. Her books, including "China: Fragile Superpower" and "The Political Logic of Economic Reform in China," are widely cited for their analysis of China’s domestic politics and global ambitions.

Shirk remains an active voice in public discourse on U.S.-China relations, frequently appearing as an expert commentator in major media outlets and at international conferences. Her commentary addresses the challenges of managing strategic competition and avoiding conflict, drawing on her government experience and ongoing research. Shirk engages audiences ranging from policymakers to business leaders on the complexities of China’s rise and its implications for global stability.

Throughout her career, Shirk has been recognized for her contributions to China studies and her efforts to foster mutual understanding between the United States and China. Her scholarship and public service continue to inform debates on navigating the U.S.-China relationship. By bridging academia and policy, Shirk demonstrates the importance of informed leadership in an era of geopolitical complexity.