Dean Cheng

Event information

Dean Cheng

SENIOR RESEARCH FELLOW, THE HERITAGE FOUNDATION

The U.S., China, and What's Next

DATE: September 24, 2020 6:00 pm

Background

Dean Cheng is The Heritage Foundation’s Research Fellow for Chinese political and security affairs. He specializes in China’s military and foreign policy, in particular its relationship with the rest of Asia and the United States.  Mr. Cheng has written extensively on China’s military doctrine, technological implications of its space program, and “dual use” concerns associated with its industrial and scientific infrastructure.

 

Previously, Mr. Cheng worked as a senior analyst, first with Science Applications International Corp. (SAIC) and then with the China Studies Division of the Center for Naval Analyses.  He also studied China’s defense-industrial complex for the Office of Technology Assessment as an analyst in the International Security and Space Program.

 

Mr. Cheng has appeared on public affairs shows such as John McLaughlin’s One on One, and on NPR, CNN International, BBC World Service, and International Television News (ITN). He has been interviewed by or provided commentary for publications such as Time magazine, The Washington Post, Financial Times, Bloomberg News, Jane’s Defense Weekly, South Korea’s Chosun Ilbo, and Hong Kong’s South China Morning Post.

Share:

Questions about the program?

JOIN OUR MAILING LIST

Be the First to Hear about Upcoming Speakers

© BCFA All Rights Reserved.

Wilson Center

Forced displacement represents one of the most pressing humanitarian issues of our time. Individuals and families, torn from the fabric of their communities, find themselves navigating a world of uncertainty, often without basic necessities or a clear path to safety. There are currently some 110 million forced displaced, and this number is growing by 10 million each year!

At the heart of this crisis are the political triggers. Armed conflicts, ethnic or religious persecutions, and systemic human rights abuses force millions to flee their homes in terror. Many are displaced within their own national boundaries, while others seek asylum abroad. If these factors change as a result of political shifts at home or the pressures from abroad, they can return to their homes. Forced displacement is thus different from environmentally driven displacement, as victims of climate change may never be able to return to their homes.

The ramifications of any sort of displacement are profound, not just for those directly affected, but also for host communities and countries. Overburdened infrastructures, socio-economic strains, and cultural tensions can arise, necessitating comprehensive strategies to foster harmony and integration. Yet the root causes of forced displacement can be remedied with a concerted focus by local players and international diplomacy.

Organizations like Refugees International play a crucial role in this arena, advocating for the rights and needs of the displaced, conducting on-the-ground assessments, and influencing policymakers to take informed actions. Their relentless work underscores the gravity of the situation and the urgency ofinternational cooperation. But they, too, are overwhelmed by the rapid expansion of the crisis.

International Humanitarian Law (IHL), with its core principles centered on the protection of civilians during conflicts, plays a pivotal role in this discourse. Yet, despite clear legal frameworks, compliance remains
inconsistent. This initiative emphasizes the importance of upholding and reinforcing these international standards.

It’s not just about recognizing the problem; it’s about active engagement. We urge governments, organizations, and individuals to prioritize the rights and needs of the forced displaced. Through collective efforts, informed policies, and sustained advocacy, we can shift the narrative from passive acknowledgment to proactive intervention.