Understanding China's Strategic Landscape: Insights from Dr. Chris Lew
Schedule
Fri Apr 10 2026 at 05:30 pm to 07:30 pm
UTC-04:00Location
The Institute of World Politics | Washington, DC
About this Event
Registration is open at the door if seating permits.
Join us for a discussion with Dr. Christopher R. Lew of The Institute of World Politics (IWP). Dr. Lew will share insights from his career in military intelligence, cybersecurity, and Chinese political and military affairs. This event welcomes all those considering an IWP graduate program, internship, or fellowship—especially those interested in our new M.A. in China and Asia Studies. The program will be followed by a reception to learn more about our graduate offerings in National Security, Intelligence, and International Affairs. We look forward to meeting you.
About Dr. Christopher R. Lew:
Dr. Christopher R. Lew specializes in Chinese politics, economics, cyber, military affairs, and history. He currently serves as a Managing Director at State Street, overseeing their Global Cybersecurity China Operations, Insider Threat and Investigations Teams. He is also the Director of International Programs Development at UMGC and President of Water Dragons Consulting.
Previously, he served as a Principal Threat Intelligence Analyst at Mandiant, during which he participated in and co-authored the APT1 Report. He has also worked as a Senior China Policy Analyst at SAIC, an Associate at Booz Allen Hamilton, and a Senior Intelligence Analyst with the Department of Defense. Dr. Lew previously taught at George Mason University, George Washington University, and UMGC.
Dr. Lew is a retired U.S. Army Lieutenant Colonel with over 24 combined years in the active and reserve components. As an enlisted soldier, he served in the armor and public affairs fields, and, as an officer, he worked in the military intelligence branch. In 2005-06, Dr. Lew commanded the Analysis and Control Team of the 2/28th Brigade Combat Team in Ramadi, Iraq. During that time, he helped identify and establish the conditions for the Al Anbar Awakening, which served as a turning point in the campaign for western Iraq. Dr. Lew also served with 75th Innovation Command, Joint Chiefs of Staff at the Pentagon, and as an Army Attaché at various embassies in the Asia-Pacific region.
He has authored two books, The Third Chinese Revolutionary Civil War: An Analysis of Communist Strategy and Leadership (2009) and the second edition of the Historical Dictionary of the Chinese Civil War (2013). He also contributed various entries to China at War: An Encyclopedia and the Encyclopedia of Chinese History.
Education
Dr. Chris Lew received his Ph.D and M.A. in History from the University of Pennsylvania in the fields of Modern China, Late Imperial China, Modern Japan, and Military History. For his B.A., he attended Towson University and majored in History and English.
Who we are:
IWP is a graduate school in Washington, D.C. dedicated to developing leaders with a sound understanding of global realities and the ethical conduct of statecraft. Students learn from , and our work in diplomacy, the Intelligence Community, the private sector, policy, and nonprofits. At IWP, there is a focus on the capacity to think strategically, by teaching all the arts of statecraft and how they integrate into national strategy.
Graduate Degrees:
In-Person Programs:
- Ph.D. in Statecraft and Strategy
- Doctor of Statecraft and Strategy (Professional)
- Doctor of Statecraft and National Security (Professional)
- M.A. in Strategic Intelligence Studies
- M.A. in Statecraft and International Affairs
- M.A. in Statecraft and National Security Affairs
- M.A. in Chinese and Asian Affairs
- Executive M.A. in National Security Affairs (7+ years of industry experience)
- Professional M.A. in Strategic and International Studies (5+ years of experience)
- 18 Certificates including Cyber Statecraft, Counterintelligence, International Politics, Conflict Prevention, and more.
Online Programs:
- Ph.D. in Statecraft and Strategy
- Doctor of Statecraft and Strategy (Professional)
- M.A. in Statecraft and Strategy (Online)
- Executive M.A. in Statecraft and Strategy (Online)
- Professional M.A. in Statecraft and Strategy (Online)
- Joint Master of Science in Cyber Intelligence and Security
(we match financial aid for eligible veterans)
Where is it happening?
The Institute of World Politics, 1521 16th Street Northwest, Washington, United StatesEvent Location & Nearby Stays:
USD 0.00
