Featured NBR Publications, Programs, and Activities:

Asia Policy Debate 2008, September 22
Senior foreign policy advisors to Senator John McCain, Michael J. Green and Daniel A. Blumenthal, and senior foreign policy advisors to Senator Barack Obama, Ambassador Robert S. Gelbard and Frank Jannuzi, debated strategies for U.S. foreign policy in the Asia-Pacific. Webcast: (Windows Media Video) or (Flash).

Strategic Asia 2008–09: Challenges and Choices
The eighth volume in NBR’s Strategic Asia series, Strategic Asia 2008–09: Challenges and Choices, assesses the major strategic choices on Asia facing the new U.S. president and administration as well as the broader policy community. Through a combination of country, regional, and topical studies, the book analyzes the impact of U.S. policy and geopolitical developments on Asia’s transformation over the past eight years. The volume’s timely insights provide critical context for the next U.S. administration’s approach toward Asia. Order.

NBR Special Report: Standards, Stakeholders, and Innovation in China
NBR has released its latest report on standards and innovation policy in China, “Standards, Stakeholders, and Innovation: China’s Evolving Role in the Global Knowledge Economy,” by experts Scott Kennedy, Richard P. Suttmeier, and Jun Su. The report examines the implications of China’s efforts to promote its “indigenous innovation” policy, particularly in the information and communications technology (ICT) industry, and China's evolving role in international standards-setting bodies. Order this report or learn more about the initiative.

Emerging Leaders in East Asia
In September 2008, NBR released the project report "Emerging Leaders in East Asia: The Next Generation of Political Leadership in China, Japan, South Korea, and Taiwan." This report represents the culmination of a year-long initiative launched to provide a better understanding of the qualities and characteristics that define East Asia’s rising leaders and to anticipate the possible implications of their emerging influence for U.S. policy interests. Order the report. Learn more about the project.

China’s People’s Liberation Army (PLA) Annual Conference Volume
On September 17, 2008, The National Bureau of Asian Research (NBR) and the Strategic Studies Institute of the U.S. Army War College officially released a new book titled The "People’" in the PLA: Recruitment, Training, and Education in China’s Military edited by Roy D. Kamphausen, Andrew Scobell, and Travis Tanner. The book launch event was co-hosted by and held at the Brookings Institution and featured PLA experts from government and academia. Copies of the book were made available at the event and can be accessed here.

NBR Holds Groundbreaking Ceremony in Seattle's University District
NBR hosted a groundbreaking ceremony on August 4 at Eagleson Hall at the University of Washington to celebrate the construction of a building where NBR will be permanently housed. The new structure, to be named George F. Russell, Jr. Hall in honor of NBR’s longtime chairman, will be located at 4201 15th Avenue NE, in close proximity to the Daniel J. Evans School of Public Affairs and the Henry M. Jackson School of International Studies and directly across the street from the University of Washington’s William H. Gates Hall. View Press Release.

Anniversary Reception in Honor of the House U.S.-China Working Group
On July 30, 2008, NBR and The U.S.-China Business Council recognized the U.S.-China Working Group members and founding co-chairs Mark Kirk (R-IL) and Rick Larsen (D-WA) for advancing congressional involvement in the U.S.-China relationship. At this third-year anniversary reception, Ambassador Alan Holmer, Special Envoy for China and the Strategic Economic Dialogue, and Chinese Ambassador Wenzhong Zhou lauded the value the USCWG brings to Washington's understanding of China and the benefits of deepening bilateral cooperation. Congressmen Kirk and Larsen spoke on the growth of the working group, which now boasts over 60 members, thanking NBR for its support through chairing the Academic Advisory Group to the USCWG. View reception photos.

Understanding China’s New Sovereign Wealth Fund
This issue of the NBR Analysis provides an analysis of the political and economic debates that led to the formation of CIC, outlines what is known about the corporation’s investment objectives and management structure, and details the domestic and foreign investments that CIC has undertaken to date. It also examines some of the specific concerns that have been raised about the potential risks posed by CIC to U.S. national interests and draws some preliminary conclusions about their validity. Order or download this issue.

Russian Energy Policy and Strategy
Growing global energy demand and rising energy prices provide essential context for Russia’s reemergence, simultaneously raising anxiety levels among the major consumer countries and raising confidence levels among the major producer countries. These tendencies have been especially apparent in Asia. Yet, as has been the case in many other periods of rapid change, neither the anxieties nor the confidence will likely prove fully justified. Such is the unambiguous message of the two important articles in this issue of the NBR Analysis. Order or download this issue.

Asia Policy 6
This latest issue of NBR’s journal Asia Policy features a policy Q&A with a panel of specialists on Islamic finance and a book review roundtable on David C. Kang's China Rising. Articles in this issue address generational change and political leadership in Japan and China, sea lane security in Southeast Asia, and China's management of the risks resulting from the country's rapid industrial development. Order or download Asia Policy 6.

Engaging Asia: U.S. Strategic Interests, Priorities, and Policy Tools
On May 22, 2008, NBR hosted senior policy leaders and experts in Washington, D.C., for the conference “Engaging Asia: U.S. Strategic Interests, Priorities, and Policy Tools.” Discussion focused on the ways that the U.S. might enhance its strategic engagement with this increasingly vital region of the world. Ambassador Christopher R. Hill, Assistant Secretary for East Asian and Pacific Affairs, U.S. Department of State, delivered closing remarks on challenges and opportunities for U.S.-Asia relations. Learn more about the conference.

The John M. Shalikashvili Chair in National Security Studies
On September 26, 2007, NBR announced the appointment of Admiral Dennis C. Blair to the John M. Shalikashvili Chair in National Security Studies. Admiral Blair will advance the study of national security issues and address critical U.S. interests in Asia through research projects, publications, conferences, and briefings to senior policymakers and business leaders. For more information on Admiral Blair and the John M. Shalikashvili Chair, click here.

Pyle Center for Northeast Asian Studies
On November 17, 2006, NBR dedicated the Kenneth B. and Anne H.H. Pyle Center for Northeast Asian Studies. The Center's inauguration featured a two-day international conference and a formal evening gala. The newly launched Pyle Center will conduct research on Northeast Asia to advance the comprehensive study of the region, particularly as it pertains to its security, political, and economic dynamics. Click on the link to view Professor Pyle’s keynote address.