Dalton Lin

Dalton Lin is an Assistant Professor at the Sam Nunn School of International Affairs, Georgia Institute of Technology, and a member of the Center for International Strategy, Technology, and Policy. He holds a Ph.D. in Political Science from the University of Wisconsin-Madison and previously served as a Postdoctoral Research Fellow at Princeton University. His research focuses on international relations theory, particularly the dynamics between major and smaller states, with a regional focus on China and East Asia. Lin’s work examines geopolitical bargaining, patron-client relationships, and cross-Strait security dynamics, including the evolving 'One China' framework and the Belt and Road Initiative’s strategic implications.

Lin has received prestigious awards, including the 2024-2025 Faculty Excellence in Research Award and multiple teaching recognitions from Georgia Tech. He is the founder of the Taiwan Security Issues initiative and a research associate with the China Research Center. His publications span peer-reviewed journals like The China Quarterly and Orbis, as well as policy-oriented outlets such as The Diplomat and The Cipher Brief.

• Education: Ph.D. in Political Science, University of Wisconsin-Madison
• Key Research Themes: Geopolitical patronage, Sino-U.S. competition, cross-Strait relations, and strategic stability
• Recent Work: Explores China’s BRI as a tool for agenda-setting power and the challenges to the 'One China' framework’s longevity

Lin’s research and teaching address contemporary issues such as U.S.-China power dynamics, Taiwan’s security dilemmas, and the geopolitical implications of China’s economic statecraft. His interdisciplinary approach bridges theory and policy, offering insights into global strategic challenges.