Military challenges in the Asia Pacific: US responses to regional competition

Agenda

8:45 AM
Registration

9:00 AM
Introductory remarks:
Phillip Lohaus, AEI

9:10 AM
Panel discussion

Participants:
Roger Cliff, Center for Naval Analyses
Thomas Donnelly, AEI
Nathan Freier, United States Army War College
Lt. Gen. Wallace “Chip” Gregson Jr. (Ret.), Former Assistant Secretary of Defense, Asian and Pacific Security Affairs

Moderator:
Phillip Lohaus, AEI

10:10 AM
Q&A

10:30 AM
Adjournment

Speaker Biographies

Roger Cliff is an expert in East Asian security affairs. His recent research topics include Chinese military modernization, China’s aerospace industry, China’s foreign policy, and US strategy toward Asia. He is the sole or lead author of seven books and monographs, including “China’s Military Power: Assessing Current and Future Capabilities” (Cambridge University Press, 2015). Before joining CNA, Cliff was a nonresident senior fellow at the Atlantic Council and the Project 2049 Institute and a senior political scientist at Rand Corporation. He holds a Ph.D. in international relations from Princeton University; an M.A. in Chinese studies from the University of California, San Diego; and a B.S. in physics from Harvey Mudd College. He is fluent in spoken and written Mandarin Chinese and has spent four years living in China and Taiwan.

Thomas Donnelly, a defense and security policy analyst, is the codirector of the Marilyn Ware Center for Security Studies at AEI. He is the coauthor with Frederick W. Kagan of “Lessons for a Long War: How America Can Win on New Battlefields” (AEI Press, 2010). Among his recent books are “Ground Truth: The Future of U.S. Land Power” (AEI Press, 2008), coauthored with Frederick W. Kagan; “Of Men and Materiel: The Crisis in Military Resources” (AEI Press, 2007), coedited with Gary J. Schmitt; “The Military We Need” (AEI Press, 2005); and “Operation Iraqi Freedom: A Strategic Assessment” (AEI Press, 2004). From 1995 to 1999, he was policy group director and a professional staff member for the House Committee on Armed Services. Mr. Donnelly also served as a member of the US-China Economic and Security Review Commission. He is a former editor of Armed Forces Journal, Army Times, and Defense News.

Nathan Freier is an associate professor of national security studies with the Strategic Studies Institute (SSI). Previously, he served for 20 years in the US Army. His last military assignment was as director of national security affairs at SSI. From August 2008 to July 2012, Mr. Freier also served as a visiting research professor in strategy, policy, and risk assessment at the US Army War College’s Peacekeeping and Stability Operations Institute under the provisions of the Intergovernmental Personnel Act. Mr. Freier is a veteran of numerous strategy development and strategic planning efforts at Headquarters, Department of the Army; the Office of the Secretary of Defense; and two senior-level military staffs in Iraq. His areas of expertise are defense and military strategy and policy development and strategic net and risk assessment. He holds master’s degrees in both international relations and politics and is a graduate of the US Army’s Command and General Staff College.

Wallace “Chip” Gregson Jr. (USMC, Ret.) most recently served as the assistant secretary of defense, Asian and Pacific Security Affairs. Previously, he served as chief operating officer for the United States Olympic Committee, then as an independent consultant before entering government in 2009. Lt. Gen. Gregson is a member of the Council on Foreign Relations, the US Naval Institute, and the Marine Corps Association. He is a trustee of the Marine Corps University Foundation. His civilian education includes a bachelor’s degree from the US Naval Academy, a master’s degree in strategic planning from the Naval War College, and a master’s degree in international relations from Salve Regina College.

Phillip Lohaus is a research fellow in the Marilyn Ware Center for Security Studies at AEI, where he blends practical experience gained from serving in the intelligence community with a broad interest in emerging foreign military capabilities. His current research focuses on the unconventional and emerging national security challenges posed by Russia, Iran, China, and the Islamic State. Before joining AEI, Mr. Lohaus served as an analyst with the Department of Defense and the Multi-National Force–Iraq. His awards include a Joint Civilian Service Commendation Medal from USSOCOM. A graduate of the University of Florida, Mr. Lohaus has an M.A. from the Paul H. Nitze School of Advanced International Studies at Johns Hopkins University.