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Robert S. Ross

Professor, Boston College

Robert S. Ross is a Professor of Political Science at Boston College and Associate at the Fairbank Center for Chinese Studies, Harvard University. His research focuses on Chinese security policy and defence policy, East Asian security, and US-China relations. His publications include Chinese Security Policy: Structure, Power, and Politics; China’s Ascent: Power, Security, and the Future of International Politics; and New Directions in the Study of Chinese Foreign Policy. His other major works include Normalization of U.S.-China Relations: An International History; Great Wall and Empty Fortress: China’s Search for Security; Negotiating Cooperation: U.S.-China Relations, 1969-1989; and The Indochina Tangle: China’s Vietnam Policy, 1975-1979.

Articles by Robert S. Ross

Politics

America’s 250-year strategy meets China’s rise

For 250 years, US grand strategy has been built on preventing any rival from dominating Europe or Asia. China’s rise has ended America’s uncontested primacy in East Asia, forcing Washington to rethink how it can preserve its security and influence. US academic Robert S. Ross gives his assessment.

Robert S. Ross

08 Jul 2026

Politics

Busan summit: Trump, Xi and America’s fight to stay on top

The Busan summit eased trade tensions but solved little. Behind the smiles, Washington still faces its defining challenge — how to contain China without conceding America’s global leadership. Professor Robert S. Ross analyses what the Busan summit tells us about US–China rivalry.

Robert S. Ross

04 Nov 2025

Politics

Trump 2.0 and China: A wild card in East Asia

When he begins his second term, President-elect Donald Trump may threaten to impose more tariffs to get China to agree to a new trade agreement. He may also reconsider defence commitments to US security partners in East Asia. Under Trump 2.0, the only certainty is uncertainty, says US academic Robert S. Ross.

Robert S. Ross

13 Nov 2024

Politics

It's all about power: US-China relations set to remain rocky in 2024

Despite an amicable summit between Presidents Joe Biden and Xi Jinping in San Francisco recently, the essence of the US-China conflict of interest does not change, says US academic Robert Ross. This means that the outlook for US-China relations in the new year remains paved with difficulties, as both powers continue to joust in a battle to win.

Robert S. Ross

18 Dec 2023

Politics

[Future of China] Xi Jinping and the world: Retrospect and prospect

As the 20th Party Congress approaches, US academic Robert S. Ross assesses China's foreign policy record over the last ten years and weighs up China's foreign policy priorities in the likely third term of President Xi Jinping's leadership. This is the last in a five-part series of articles on the future of China.

Robert S. Ross

21 Sep 2022