Professional Affiliation

Schwarzman Scholar, Tsinghua University

Expert Bio

Conor McGlynn is a Schwarzman Fellow at the Kissinger Institute on China and the United States. His research focuses on how China’s rise in international standards institutions is impacting the functioning of these organizations. He previously studied as a Schwarzman Scholar in Beijing, where his work addressed the global governance of emerging technologies. Prior to this he worked in EU affairs in Brussels, focusing on EU digital policy. He holds graduate degrees in Global Affairs and Philosophy from Tsinghua University and the University of Cambridge and a bachelor’s degree from Trinity College Dublin.

Wilson Center Project

China's Rise in International Standard Setting

Project Summary

The possibility of technological decoupling between China and the US has received considerable attention in recent years. The creation of separate ‘technospheres’ would have significant political and economic consequences for the global community. This project will inform policy conversations on this issue by investigating the possible drivers of technological divergence in international standard setting institutions. It will focus on the theoretical reasons why divergence may be expected to take place, examine the empirical evidence of conflict in international standard setting, and propose concrete recommendations for policymakers.