Dr. Jonathan Spangler is a professor, researcher, and author in international relations and political science with a focus on the Indo-Pacific region. He serves as the Director of the South China Sea Think Tank and was an Assistant Professor in the International Affairs and Diplomacy Program at Ming Chuan University in Taipei, Taiwan, before relocating to the Los Angeles area in 2019. Raised in Colorado, he has lived and worked in six countries in North America, Latin America, and East Asia, including ten years in Taiwan. He holds a PhD in Asia-Pacific Studies (International Relations) from National Chengchi University and is fluent in Chinese (TOCFL Level 5 – Fluent).

His primary research interests include global political dynamics, Indo-Pacific regional security and diplomacy, maritime territorial disputes, and US–China–Taiwan relations. He has over fifteen years of experience as an educator, having taught courses in international relations, conflict studies and peace education, public speaking, international development, and other fields. His books, reports, academic articles, and other publications have been widely recognized and used by policymakers, researchers, students, and the media.

He is also an accomplished endurance athlete and mountaineer and has received certifications in mountain search and rescue and wilderness survival. In all of his work and activities, he remains committed to the inclusion of diverse perspectives and aims to make a positive and lasting impact on society.