SIA student publishes two articles examining China's dominant role in the electric vehicle battery industry

Justin Blank, a student in the Penn State School of International Affairs (SIA), has published two articles in prominent foreign affairs media outlets analyzing China's position as a global leader in electric vehicle battery manufacturing. In both articles, Blank argues that China's rise to prominence in the industry is due largely to a combination of national and local government policies and companies' commitment to innovation.

"Building a Battery Champion: What CATL and Dongqiao Reveal About China’s Industrial Model" is published in The Diplomat. "China’s Battery Advantage: How Local Governments and Firms Built a Global Industry" is published in The National Interest.

The articles stem from Blank's internship with the U.S. Army War College (USAWC), completed in summer 2026. Blank is a 2027 Master of International Affairs candidate at SIA and his research focuses on the intersection of Chinese elite politics, political economy, and international security. The articles are co-authored by Zenel Garcia, associate dean and associate professor at USAWC, where he holds the Henry L. Stimson Chair of International and Military Studies.