Andrew Scobell

Andrew Scobell is a senior political scientist at the RAND Corporation and an expert on Asian security issues, with particular expertise in China's military and political affairs. His research focuses on Asia-Pacific security matters, U.S.-China relations, and Chinese strategic culture. Throughout his career, Scobell has authored numerous influential books and publications examining China's use of military force and its defense policy, including "China's Use of Military Force: Beyond the Great Wall and the Long March" (Cambridge University Press). He previously served as Director of the China Certificate Program at Texas A&M University's George H.W. Bush School of Government and Public Service. Scobell has provided testimony before Congress and served as an advisor to various U.S. government agencies on China-related security matters. His work regularly appears in prominent academic journals and policy publications, contributing significantly to the understanding of Chinese military strategy and behavior. His research extends beyond purely military matters to encompass broader aspects of Chinese foreign policy and domestic politics, including the relationship between the People's Liberation Army and the Chinese Communist Party. Scobell holds a Ph.D. in political science from Columbia University and has conducted extensive field research in China and other parts of Asia.

Readers praise Scobell's depth of research and academic rigor in analyzing Chinese military strategy. His books, particularly "China's Use of Military Force," receive attention from policy experts and students of international relations. What readers liked: - Clear presentation of complex military and political concepts - Detailed historical context backed by primary sources - Balanced analysis of Chinese strategic thinking What readers disliked: - Academic writing style can be dense for general readers - Some sections focus heavily on theoretical frameworks - Limited coverage of recent developments after publication Ratings and Reviews: - Goodreads: 3.8/5 (47 ratings) - Amazon: 4.2/5 (28 ratings) One reader noted: "Provides invaluable insights into Chinese military decision-making, though the academic tone requires careful reading." Another commented: "Would benefit from more current case studies, but the historical analysis remains relevant." The book appears most frequently in university course syllabi and professional military education programs.

China's Use of Military Force: Beyond the Great Wall and the Long March (2003) Examines China's use of military force against other countries and its own citizens since 1949, analyzing the decision-making processes and security concerns behind each instance.

China's Search for Security (2012) Analyzes China's security challenges and strategies across multiple dimensions including domestic stability, territorial integrity, and international relations.

Chinese Lessons from Other Peoples' Wars (2011) Studies how the Chinese military learns from conflicts involving other nations, particularly focusing on modern warfare observations since the 1980s.

China Steps Out: Beijing's Major Power Engagement with the Developing World (2018) Examines China's expanding relationships with developing nations across multiple regions including Africa, Latin America, and the Middle East.

Chairman Xi Remakes the PLA: Assessing Chinese Military Reforms (2019) Details the organizational and structural reforms of China's People's Liberation Army under Xi Jinping's leadership since 2015.

PLA Influence on China's National Security Policymaking (2015) Investigates the role and influence of the People's Liberation Army in China's national security decision-making process.

Michael Beckley analyzes US-China strategic competition and East Asian security dynamics. He combines strategic theory with empirical research on military capabilities and international relations.

David Shambaugh specializes in contemporary China's politics, military, and foreign relations. His work examines Chinese Communist Party operations and China's evolving role in international affairs.

Elizabeth Economy focuses on Chinese domestic and foreign policy with emphasis on environmental challenges. She examines how China's political system affects its engagement with global issues.

Thomas Christensen studies China's foreign relations and security policy in historical context. He analyzes how domestic politics in China and other nations influence international security outcomes.

Aaron Friedberg examines great power competition between the United States and China. His research covers military strategy, economic competition, and geopolitical rivalry in Asia.