Civilizational Worldviews in International Relations

Dr. Markey’s current research explores the role of “civilizational worldviews” in international relations. Case studies of India, China, Russia, Turkey, and Iran demonstrate the historical evolution and institutionalization of civilizational ideologies as well as their implications for contemporary foreign policy. 

US-China Dialogue on South Asia

For nearly 10 years, Dr. Markey and a Chinese counterpart professor at Peking University have arranged in-depth dialogues between groups of expert analysts from the United States and China. Prior meetings have taken place in Casablanca, Istanbul, Dubai, Paris, Washington, and Beijing. These meetings were made possible with support from the US Institute of Peace, SAIS, and other donors. 

US-India Strategic Partnership

Since his time at the US Department of State on the policy planning staff, Dr. Markey has had a keen interest in the trajectory of the US-India relationship. His article, “The Strategic Implications of India’s Illiberalism and Democratic Erosion” (Asia Policy, 2022) and his essay “India as It Is” (Foreign Affairs, Summer 2023) offer insights into the possibilities and pitfalls of this critically important strategic partnership.

Strategic Stability in Southern Asia

Southern Asia–to include India, Pakistan, and China–brings together massive populations, deep geopolitical differences, and nuclear weapons. Dr. Markey explored these challenges in co-authored report published by the US Institute of Peace in 2022 and he continues to follow these issues closely.

China’s Western Horizon

With the publication of China’s Western Horizon: Beijing and the New Geopolitics of Eurasia (Oxford, 2020), Dr. Markey presented an overarching assessment of China’s role–and the region’s reaction–in its continental backyard, including South Asia, Central Asia, and the Middle East. Dr. Markey continues to follow these developments closely, with a particular focus on China-Pakistan, China-Afghanistan, and China-India relations.

The Future of U.S.-Pakistan Relations

Pakistan’s internal troubles already threaten U.S. security and international peace, and Pakistan’s rapidly growing population, nuclear arsenal, and relationships with China and India will continue to force it onto the United States’ geopolitical map in new and important ways over the coming decades. After the publication of Dr. Markey’s book No Exit from Pakistan: America’s Tortured Relationship with Islamabad (Cambridge, 2013) he continues to follow these issues closely.