David O. Shullman is an American scholar specializing in Chinese domestic politics, foreign policy, and security issues. He is a senior fellow at the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace, where he leads research on China and its international behavior.
Education
- Bachelor of Arts, Harvard University (field of study not publicly specified).
- Doctor of Philosophy, Stanford University, Political Science, with a dissertation focusing on Chinese political institutions and decision‑making.
Career
- Analyst at the RAND Corporation, contributing to research on Asian security and defense policy.
- Fellow at the Center for a New American Security (CNAS), where he examined U.S.–China strategic competition.
- Joined the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace in 2020, serving as a senior fellow in the China Program.
- Frequent commentator on Chinese politics for major media outlets, including The New York Times, The Wall Street Journal, and BBC.
Research Focus
Shullman’s work concentrates on:
- The internal dynamics of the Chinese Communist Party (CCP).
- China’s political stability and authoritarian resilience.
- Sino‑U.S. security relations, particularly concerning Taiwan, the South China Sea, and great‑power competition.
- Chinese strategic culture and its impact on foreign policy choices.
Selected Publications
- China’s Authoritarian Resilience (co‑author, 2020). A scholarly analysis of how the CCP maintains control despite social and economic challenges.
- “The Future of China–U.S. Relations” (co‑author, Foreign Affairs, 2021). Examines possible trajectories of bilateral relations under differing political conditions.
- Numerous policy papers and articles for Carnegie Endowment, RAND, and CNAS, addressing topics such as China’s military modernization, the role of nationalism, and crisis management mechanisms.
Public Engagement
Shullman appears regularly on television and radio programs to discuss developments in Chinese politics and U.S. policy responses. He has testified before U.S. congressional committees on matters relating to China’s strategic behavior.
Professional Affiliations
- Member, International Studies Association.
- Contributor, The China Quarterly and Journal of Contemporary China.
Recognition
His analyses are frequently cited by scholars and policymakers examining the evolving security environment in the Indo‑Pacific region.
