NDBS – Great Power Competition – The People’s Republic of China
Speakers – Dr. Cynthia Watkins, Dr. Bud Cole (Captain, USN retired)
Both Dr. Watkins and Dr. Cole are experts on the People’s Republic of China (PRC). The understand the country’s internal politics and the personalities who lead the PRC. The two will provide insight into how they believe the PRC’s foreign policy will evolve given events in Venezuela, Iran, Russia, and Ukraine. They will also provide their views on what the challenges the PRC faces vis a vis its intentions toward Taiwan.
Dr. Watkins taught at the National Defense University for 30+ years before retiring in June 2022 and was awarded the title of Professor Emerita. She has an MA from the London School of Economics and a PhD from the University of Notre Dame. In addition to teaching classes, Dr. Watkins was Dean of Faculty & Academic Programs for three years. She is the author of 10 books on national security and is certified as a bilingual reader for the Recording for the Blind & Dyslexic.
Dr. Cole retired from full time teaching duties at the National War College in 2015 and was awarded the title of Professor Emeritus. While on the NWC faculty, Dr. Cole taught courses on Sino-American Relations and Maritime Strategy. He has written numerous articles and eight books most of which focus on the Asia. He earned a BA in history from the University of North Carolina, an M.P.A. in National Security Affairs from the University of Washington, and a Ph.D. in History from Auburn University. He previously served 30 years as a Surface Warfare Officer in the Navy, all in the Pacific. Dr. Cole commanded a frigate, U.S.S. Rathburne (FF-1057)and Destroyer Squadron 35. He served as Naval Gunfire Liaison Officer with the THIRD Marine Division in Vietnam, and as Special Assistant to the CNO for Expeditionary Warfare.