From December 2019 to November 2021, John Lee worked at MERICS. He coordinated work in the MERICS’ research cluster on China’s use of digital technologies. His research covered emerging and foundational technologies in China’s domestic development and international relations, China’s science and innovation policies, and China’s approach to governance of the Internet and cyberspace. At MERICS, John worked on related subjects including export controls, R&D ecosystems and supply chains in high-technology sectors.
 
John’s academic background includes strategic studies, political science and international relations, history and international law. He holds Masters degrees from the King’s College London Department of War Studies and the Australian National University. John previously worked for the Australian Department of Defence and Department of Foreign Affairs & Trade, and is an admitted Australian legal practitioner. His wider research interests include strategic theory, macrohistory and the historical East Asian interstate system.