A Book Talk with Michael Sobolik

The Global Taiwan Institute (GTI) is pleased to invite you to a discussion with Michael Sobolik on his new book, Countering China’s Great Game: A Strategy for American Dominance. This timely publication challenges the prevailing views on US-China relations by arguing that America is currently losing a new cold war to the Chinese Communist Party (CCP). Sobolik, a senior fellow in Indo-Pacific studies at the American Foreign Policy Council (AFPC), draws upon his extensive experience to propose a bold plan for American dominance. The book focuses on deconstructing the Chinese Communist Party's (CCP) Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), which Sobolik describes as a geopolitical gambit rather than an economic project. He outlines how the United States can exploit the BRI's vulnerabilities and fortify its global strategic position. This discussion will explore the historical context of the CCP’s strategies, the current geopolitical dynamics, and the necessary steps for the United States to secure a 21st (make superscript) century defined by American leadership. Join us to gain critical insights into the complex dynamics of global power and strategy.

This event will be moderated by GTI Executive Director Russell Hsiao.

The event will be held at the GTI office located at 1836 Jefferson Place NW in Washington DC (approximately one block from the Dupont Circle Metro). Doors will open at 11:30 AM, and the event will begin at 12:00 PM. If you plan on attending in-person, please RSVP by May 6, as seating is limited. Light refreshments will be provided. Please direct questions or concerns to Research Associate Adrienne Wu at awu@globaltaiwan.org.

**Media: Please contact Adrienne Wu at awu@globaltaiwan.org if you would like to bring additional crew members or equipment, so that we can be sure to accommodate you.

The Author:

Michael Sobolik is a senior fellow in Indo-Pacific studies at the American Foreign Policy Council (AFPC). His work covers American and Chinese grand strategy, regional economic and security trends, America’s alliance architecture in Asia, and human rights. Sobolik also hosts Great Power Podcast, AFPC’s show about great power competition and US-China relations. His new book, Countering China's Great Game: A Strategy for American Dominance, was published by Naval Institute Press in 2024. Sobolik's analysis has appeared in the Washington Post, Foreign Policy, Politico, Newsweek, National Review, Jane's Defence Weekly, and RealClearDefense. Prior to joining AFPC, Michael served as a legislative assistant in the United States Senate from 2014 to 2019. While in the Senate, Sobolik drafted legislation on China, Russia, India, Taiwan, North Korea, and Cambodia, as well as strategic systems and missile defense. Sobolik is a graduate of Texas A&M University, where he studied political philosophy as an undergraduate. He also earned his Master of International Affairs degree in American grand strategy and US-China relations at the Bush School of Government and Public Service.

The Moderator:

Russell Hsiao is the executive director of GTI, senior fellow at The Jamestown Foundation, and adjunct fellow at Pacific Forum. He is a former Penn Kemble fellow at the National Endowment for Democracy and visiting scholar at the University of Tokyo’s Institute for Advanced Studies on Asia. He previously served as a senior research fellow at The Project 2049 Institute and National Security fellow at the Foundation for Defense of Democracies. Prior to those positions he was the editor of China Brief at The Jamestown Foundation from October 2007 to July 2011 and a special associate in the International Cooperation Department at the Taiwan Foundation for Democracy. While in law school, he clerked within the Office of the Chairman at the Federal Communications Commission and the Interagency Trade Enforcement Center at the Office of the US Trade Representative. Hsiao received his JD and certificate from the Law and Technology Institute at the Catholic University of America’s Columbus School of Law where he served as the editor-in-chief of the Catholic University’s Journal of Law and Technology. He received a BA in international studies from the American University’s School of International Service and the University Honors Program.