
Ryan Claffey
Research Assistant, Indo-Pacific Security Program
Research Areas
Ryan Claffey is a research assistant for the Indo-Pacific Security Program at the Center for a New American Security (CNAS). His research focuses on East and Southeast Asia, particularly U.S.-China strategic competition, minilateralism, and the South China Sea.
Before joining CNAS, Claffey worked at the U.S. House Select Committee on the Chinese Communist Party, with a focus on defense and security issues, and at the Asia Society Policy Institute, where he analyzed U.S.-ASEAN relations. He also served as a posture planning fellow at U.S. Indo-Pacific Command, helping to expand U.S. force posture in the region.
Claffey recently completed his MIA at Columbia University's School of International and Public Affairs, concentrating in security policy and specializing in conflict resolution and East Asia. He also holds a BA in history and East Asian languages and cultures from Columbia University.
Recent Publications & News
- Thailand–Cambodia Border Agreement on Shaky Ground
By Ryan Claffey
- East Asia Forum
- November 19, 2025
- Japan’s Iron Lady: A Prime Minister for the Trump Era?
By Ryan Claffey
- The Diplomat
- October 11, 2025
- Make Room Study Session: Networking & Building Your Brand
By Anna Pederson & Ryan Claffey
- September 24, 2025
- How the U.S. Should Push the Quad-Plus to Protect Undersea Cables
By Ryan Claffey
- Breaking Defense
- September 4, 2025
Indo-Pacific Security /Transatlantic Security
Sharper: The Axis of UpheavalBy Ryan Claffey, Charles Horn & Anna Pederson
- Sharper
- August 7, 2025
View All Reportsby Ryan ClaffeyView All Articles & Multimediaby Ryan Claffey
- More Publicationsby Ryan Claffey
- Reports
- Commentaries
- PressRelating to Ryan Claffey
- Press Releases





