China & International Security
China's security role in the Global South, China-Africa relations, South Sudan, Chinese actors in conflict environments, peacebuilding and the everyday politics of protection.
Relational Security & Global ChinaMedia
Media & Expert Commentary
Expert commentary on China and international security, Taiwan, and political order, grounded in fieldwork and academic research.
Areas of expertise
Analysis and commentary grounded in research, fieldwork and regional expertise.
Taiwan, Identity & Political Order
Political identity, transitional justice, memory politics, contested sovereignty, recognition, diplomacy and Taiwan-Somaliland relations.
China, the Gulf & the Arab World
China's evolving security role in the Arab world, commercial and security relationships in the Gulf, and the interaction between formal protection and everyday relationships.
China, Gulf Security & the Arab WorldSelected media coverage
Why a remote Philippine island chain near Taiwan is drawing China’s attention
Expert commentary on Batanes’ strategic role in a Taiwan contingency, China–Philippines maritime pressure, Philippine security cooperation with the United States and Japan, and the political effects of emerging Chinese sovereignty arguments.
Read the original上合組織25週年：中國舞臺、伊朗考驗，還是「清談場所」？
[SCO at 25: China’s stage, Iran’s test, or a “talking shop”?]
Expert analysis on China, the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation, and the institutional politics of an emerging multipolar order.
Read the originalAfter USAID exit, China hasn’t moved to fill Asia’s funding gap
Expert commentary on Chinese development finance, USAID’s withdrawal, and Beijing’s approach to influence and development cooperation in Asia.
Read the originalThis page highlights selected independent media coverage. Further policy and public scholarship remains listed on the homepage.
Why contact Felix Brender
A researcher and commentator with fieldwork, regional expertise and a global perspective.
Fieldwork-grounded analysis
Original qualitative research in South Sudan and Taiwan, supported by wider work across Africa, the Gulf and East Asia.
Academic expertise
Research-based analysis of China, Taiwan, international security, political identity and contested political order.
Policy and public engagement
Clear, evidence-based commentary for media, policy organisations and specialist audiences.
Multilingual and international
Research and professional work across English, Mandarin Chinese and German, with sustained regional experience.