Michael Sobolik

Senior Fellow in Indo-Pacific Studies

Areas Of Expertise

  • Asia Politics and Security
  • China International Relations
  • East Asia Politics and Security
  • India
  • Missile Defense
  • National Security Strategy and Policy
  • Security In East Asia
  • U.S. National Security Strategy

Michael Sobolik joined AFPC as a Senior Fellow in Indo-Pacific Studies in September 2019. His work covers American and Chinese grand strategy, regional economic and security trends, America’s alliance architecture in Asia, and human rights. Michael also hosts Great Power Podcast, AFPC’s show about great power competition and U.S.-China relations. He is also the author of Countering China's Great Game: A Strategy for American Dominance (Naval Institute Press, 2024). Michael's analysis has appeared in the Washington PostForeign 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, Michael drafted legislation on China, Russia, India, Taiwan, North Korea, and Cambodia, as well as strategic systems and missile defense. 

Michael 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 U.S.-China relations at the Bush School of Government and Public Service.

Congressional Testimony