Anthony Saich
Daewoo Professor of International Affairs and the Harvard Kennedy School; Director of the Rajawali Foundation Institute for Asia
China Public Policy Program
Understanding the toughest challenges confronting China — from energy policy to citizen satisfaction
Contact Info
- Laura Ma, Associate Director, Rajawali Foundation Institute for Asia and China Programs
- laura_ma@hks.harvard.edu
Related Programs
Asia Energy and Sustainability Initiative, China and the World, China Philanthropy Project
The China Public Policy Program at Harvard Kennedy School provides a school-wide platform to analyze key policy challenges both within China and in China’s increasing role in the world.
Meet the Team
Edward Cunningham
Director of Ash Center China Programs and of the Asia Energy and Sustainability Initiative; Adjunct Lecturer in Public Policy
Rana Mitter
S.T. Lee Professor of U.S.-Asia Relations
Laura Ma
Associate Director, Rajawali Foundation Institute for Asia and China Programs
Cherry (Xingqun) Wu
Faculty Assistant and Program Coordinator, Rajawali Foundation Institute for Asia
Visiting Fellows and Junior Scholars
Our rich diversity of fellows includes a cohort of post-doctoral fellows and faculty from leading US and Chinese research universities, doctoral candidates from partner universities in China, and influential practitioners from industry, the non-profit sector, and other areas.
The China Public Policy Program is also home to junior scholars of exceptional promise in the field of contemporary Chinese public policy and is proud to play a key role in supporting Kennedy School students in the form of teaching, tuition assistance, fellowships, and grants for student-led events, initiatives, and applied learning opportunities.
Program Fellows
Kristine Li
China Public Policy Postdoctoral Fellow, AY 2022-2025
Paul G. Clifford
Non-resident Senior Fellow, AY2024-2025
Philip Jordan
Non-resident Senior Fellow, October 2024 - September 2025
Hao Chen
Research Fellow, AY2024-2025
Liyuan Lyu
Ph.D. Student Fellow, 2024
Previous Research Funds and Related Projects
Hui Fund for Generating Powerful Ideas
By funding a combination of degree students, academic research, results-driven conferences, and targeted senior practitioners, the Hui Fund built a powerful body of strategic thinkers working on issues of direct relevance to the U.S. and Chinese policy-making communities. The Fund prioritized collaborative research initiatives that expressly collaborate with institutions and individuals from China in an effort to deepen the intellectual foundation of exchange between Harvard and the region.
Public Opinion Project
From 2003 through 2016, Anthony Saich, director of the Rajawali Foundation Institute for Asia, conducted detailed surveys of Chinese satisfaction with different levels of government. This research revealed that citizen satisfaction with the government had increased since 2003, but also that stark differences in government approval ratings existed based on government level as well as respondents’ region and income level. You can read the final report on the work, “Understanding CCP Resilience: Surveying Chinese Public Opinion Through Time” online here. A fuller analysis can be found online here.
The latest news, resources, and research
Media Release
The Rajawali Foundation Institute for Asia and the East Asian Institute (EAI) at the National University of Singapore Forge Academic Partnership
The Rajawali Foundation Institute for Asia at the Harvard Kennedy School, Harvard University and the East Asian Institute (EAI) at the National University of Singapore, are delighted to announce a new academic collaboration.
Feature
Xi signals no deviation from course – nor in the driver – despite economic bumps in the road
Chinese President Xi Jinping has laid out his vision for China’s economic and social future – and it places Xi Jinping at the very center.
Feature
Rajawali Semester in Review
This past semester, the Rajawali Foundation Institute for Asia engaged in conversations and research on topics ranging from Indonesia’s election to US-Taiwan relations with the goal of continuing to develop policy solutions to the region’s most pressing concerns.
Book
Institutional Change and Adaptive Efficiency: A Study of China’s Hukou System Evolution
This book offers policymakers a better understanding of institutional change in dynamic economic contexts, helping them enhance economic performance.
Media Release
New book from Tony Saich examines evolution of Hukou, China’s household registration system
The Rajawali Foundation Institute for Asia is pleased to announce the publication of Institutional Change and Adaptive Efficiency: A Study of China’s Hukou System Evolution.
Video
Book Talk – Rejuvenating Communism: Youth Organizations and Elite Renewal in Post-Mao China
Feature
As Russia Turns to China, Beijing Gives a Tepid Embrace
While China has been reluctant to criticize Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, HKS Professor Tony Saich believes that Beijing is treading a fine line in not alienating the West and risk becoming sanctions targets themselves
Q+A
As Xi tightens grip, China’s streets unexpectedly fill with protests
Tony Saich says demonstrators, angered over draconian COVID policies, are adopting tactics used in 1989.
Q+A
At Party Congress in Beijing, Xi Jinping Dominates China’s Political Landscape
As twice a decade conclave of party leaders concludes, Tony Saich asks whether Xi risks creating a “Putin syndrome” for China.
Q+A
Europe’s Fissures with China Deepen
With a new ban on forced labor and frustration over Beijing’s continued support of Russia mounting, the EU’s relationship with China is set to reach a new low.
Feature
What to Expect from China’s Upcoming Party Congress
Rajawali Foundation Institute for Asia Director Tony Saich, argues that Xi Jinping is telegrahing his intention to remain the dominant political force in China well into the next decade.
Policy Brief
What to Expect from the 20th Congress of the Chinese Communist Party
Tony Saich predicts themes at the Chinese Communist Party’s (CCP) 20th Party Congress.
Q+A
Indo-Pacific Economic Framework holds value, but it’s unclear if it will counter China’s influence says Senior Economist David Dapice
The Indo-Pacific Economic Framework (IPEF) could be beneficial for member countries, but without a regional trade agreement, a new administration could raise tariffs or otherwise change the terms of trade.
Video
Book Talk – The China Paradox: At the Front Line of Economic Transformation
Essay
Edward Cunningham on China’s Climate Face-offs and Trade-offs
The Chinese Communist Party is at a climate change crossroads, and how they choose to navigate it will shed light on their true priorities, says Director of the Asia Energy and Sustainability Initiative Edward Cunningham.
