John Calabrese
Assistant Professor, School of Public Affairs, American UniversityArticles by John Calabrese
Politics
China’s quiet harvest: As America fights, Asia turns to Beijing
China is looking more attractive to Asia to fill the shortfalls created by disruptions in the Middle East, from fertiliser supply to energy security. Might this be an opening for Beijing to achieve greater political leverage? US academic John Calabrese examines the situation.
John Calabrese
10 Apr 2026
Politics
Partners at war: Pakistan-Afghanistan conflict tests China’s westward strategy
The recent escalation of the Pakistan-Afghanistan conflict upends China’s westward economic expansion. With neither Pakistan nor Afghanistan willing to subordinate their core security objectives to Beijing’s connectivity agenda, will China find itself unable to push forward on its regional strategy? US academic John Calabrese ponders this quandary.
John Calabrese
03 Mar 2026
Economy
From lender to partner: China’s BRI 2.0 is harder for the West to contain
China’s Belt and Road has evolved. No longer just a lender, Beijing now co-builds green and digital industrial ecosystems with host countries and private firms, creating influence that is subtler, more durable, and harder for the West to challenge. US academic John Calabrese highlights examples from the Middle East & North Africa region, including Morocco, Saudi Arabia, the UAE and Egypt.
John Calabrese
16 Dec 2025
Politics
Trump’s hardline push in Latin America strengthens China
Trump’s revived Monroe Doctrine leans on pressure and alliances, but each move risks driving Latin America closer to Beijing. The region’s balance of power may be shifting in ways Washington never intended. US academic John Calabrese takes stock of the situation.
John Calabrese
02 Dec 2025
Economy
Hong Kong’s new pivot: From Western gateway to Middle Eastern bridge
Hong Kong is embedding itself in a multipolar, collaborative network linking Asia and the Middle East, says US academic John Calabrese. For Gulf economies diversifying beyond hydrocarbons, it offers trusted legal and financial structures; for Chinese firms, a safe entry point into Middle Eastern markets; and for Gulf investors, a strategic partner facilitating informed access to Chinese assets.
John Calabrese
10 Oct 2025
Economy
Can China save Iraq from its water crisis?
Amid Iraq’s growing water crisis, while Chinese financing and technical expertise can offer short-term relief and help plug Iraq’s infrastructure gaps, such engagement also raises the spectre of new dependencies and opaque decision-making. US academic John Calabrese looks into the issue.
John Calabrese
26 Jun 2025
Politics
Redefining the China-Nigeria partnership: From trade to development
Amid US-China tensions, the evolving China-Nigeria partnership highlights China’s shift from resource-focused ties to comprehensive economic partnerships. Under President Tinubu, Nigeria aims to diversify and leverage these ties for its development goals, says academic John Calabrese.
John Calabrese
21 Apr 2025
Economy
Losing ground: How China is outpacing the US in the Gulf’s green energy race
US academic John Calabrese observes that the US pullback from climate commitments under Trump could bolster China’s clean tech trade, while tariffs may push Chinese firms to expand in markets like the Gulf. However, rising US-China tensions may also pressure Gulf states to limit tech ties with Beijing. Consequently, the China-Gulf partnership in clean tech is poised to become a defining feature of the Middle East’s energy landscape.
John Calabrese
03 Mar 2025
Politics
Is Trump pushing Latin America towards China?
One of the most pressing concerns for the US is China’s growing presence in Latin America’s strategic sectors, particularly in space and surveillance, observes US academic John Calabrese. But Trump’s confrontational rhetoric and punitive policies could undermine efforts to strengthen ties with Latin American nations and see off such threats.
John Calabrese
28 Jan 2025
Politics
Will Trump push the global south into China’s arms?
By combining economic inducements, institutional advocacy and climate leadership into a cohesive strategy, China has positioned itself as both a partner and a leader within the global south, says US academic John Calabrese. As Donald Trump and his “America First” approach return to the world stage, will China’s alternative leadership be more appealing?
John Calabrese
23 Dec 2024
Politics
Post-Assad Syria: A test for China’s Middle East ambitions
With the fall of the Assad regime, Syria’s alliances have been disrupted and its internal rivalries are laid bare. In this situation, says US academic John Calabrese, China might collaborate with Gulf Arab countries to shape Syria’s reconstruction and maintain its continued influence. However, this could be a long and challenging process.
John Calabrese
13 Dec 2024