In the new era of great power rivalry between the United States and the People’s Republic of China (hereafter “China”), the paradigm of strategic competition has become popular. In looking to make sense of the present global geopolitical moment and paradigm, pundits search for a relevant historical analogy.

Type: Analysis

At the end of 2024, the annual U.S. Department of Defense report on military and security developments in China reinforced evolving assessments of China’s rapid nuclear expansion with an alarming projection: The U.S. expects China to have 1,000 nuclear warheads by 2030 despite having maintained a nuclear arsenal of approximately 300 warheads for decades.

Type: Analysis

China has ramped up its engagement in Guatemala, Honduras and El Salvador so that it can “operate in the United States’ backyard,” says USIP’s Mary Speck. However, China “likes to give showy gifts, but hasn’t really invested” in what the region needs to address governance issues, economic instability and organized crime.

Type: Podcast

In recent years, China has greatly expanded their use of foreign law enforcement assistance and cooperation as a way to counteract and contend with U.S.-led global security structures. Using interviews and research from an upcoming USIP report, USIP’s Ena Dion and the Global Initiative Against Transnational Organized Crime’s Matt Herbert discuss why China is expanding its foreign law enforcement assistance and how the U.S. can formulate a response.

Type: Question and Answer