John Lee, Director
John brings a range of government and research sector experience to the work of East West Futures. Based in Europe and having previously worked for the Australian government, John’s analysis is informed by a sophisticated understanding of the political, business and security environments in the EU, Australia and East-Southeast Asia. He brings an interdisciplinary perspective and professional Chinese language skills to complex and fast-changing questions about China’s impacts on a world increasingly linked through digital technologies.
John’s commissioned research focuses primarily on three broad areas:
China’s semiconductor-related industries and their global relations
China’s cyberspace governance and data regulatory regime
Future telecommunications networks and the Internet of Things
John has been quoted in the Financial Times, the Wall Street Journal, The Guardian, South China Morning Post, NPR, Politico, Voice of America, ABC, Wired UK, The Wire China, The Week India, Der Spiegel, Süddeutsche Zeitung, Handelsblatt, Cicero and other global media outlets.
His commentaries and analysis have been published in The National Interest, the Australian Financial Review, Le Monde Diplomatique, Limes Review of Geopolitics, Asian Politics & Policy, The Diplomat, the Lowy Interpreter, East Asia Forum, ChinaFile, SupChina and other outlets.
John holds Masters degrees from the Australian National University and King’s College London. He is an admitted Australian legal practitioner.
Current affiliations:
Leiden Asia Centre (https://leidenasiacentre.nl/people/john-lee/)
Consultant, International Institute for Strategic Studies
Previous affiliations:
Senior Analyst, Mercator Institute for China Studies
Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade
Australian Department of Defence
East West Futures Consulting 