Benjamin M. Holtzman

CFR Staff

Benjamin M. Holtzman

Research Associate, China and Indo-Pacific Studies

Benjamin M. Holtzman is the research associate for China and Indo-Pacific Studies at the Council on Foreign Relations (CFR), where he works with the director of the China Strategy Initiative. Holtzman was previously a research associate for U.S. foreign policy, and before joining CFR, worked at Kissinger Associates, Inc. He holds BAs in international studies and economics from American University, where he graduated as the 2022 President's Award recipient.

China Strategy Initiative

China in the Middle East: October 2024

China continued its condemnation of Israel this month while it Chinese-Iranian ties were on full display during the BRICS summit. The UAE and China celebrated 40 years of diplomatic relations while China and Saudi Arabia boasted new deals in the private sector.

Article by Benjamin M. Holtzman November 18, 2024 China Strategy Initiative
China Strategy Initiative

China in the Middle East: September 2024

Chinese engagement in the Middle East was significant throughout September. The month witnessed a host of conferences and visits by Arab leaders to Beijing and Chinese leaders to the Middle East’s capitals. Foreign Minister Wang Yi used UNGA week to continue to strengthen relations with China’s Arab partners. As Chinese-Iranian relations strengthened, China continued its condemnation of Israel.

Article by Benjamin M. Holtzman October 2, 2024 China Strategy Initiative
China Strategy Initiative

China in the Middle East: August 2024

August witnessed significant Chinese engagement in the Middle East. Relations with Israel soured as China condemned Israel’s war in Gaza and supported Iran. Meanwhile, ties with Riyadh blossomed with multibillion-dollar deals across sectors. The breadth of China’s actions underscores its strategic ambitions and highlights the country’s efforts to bolster its influence in the Middle East.

Article by Benjamin M. Holtzman August 29, 2024 China Strategy Initiative

Latin America

Mercosur: South America’s Fractious Trade Bloc

Three decades after its founding, Latin America’s largest trade bloc continues to seek new global agreements. The recent conclusion of a deal with the European Union could help, but it faces roadblocks.

Backgrounder by CFR.org Editors December 12, 2024

Trade

What Are Tariffs?

U.S. Presidents Trump and Biden have both turned to tariffs to support local industries amid economic confrontation with China. Here’s how these taxes work and how they’ve been used historically.

Backgrounder by Andrew Chatzky, Anshu Siripurapu and Noah Berman November 26, 2024 Renewing America

International Criminal Court

The Role of the ICC

The International Criminal Court was created to bring justice to the world’s worst war criminals, but debate over the court still rages.

Backgrounder by Claire Klobucista and Mariel Ferragamo November 22, 2024

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