James Andrew Lewis
James Lewis writes on technology and strategy at the Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS). Before joining CSIS, he was a diplomat and a member of the Senior Executive Service. Lewis has a track record of being among the first to identify new tech and security issues and devise polices to address them. He developed groundbreaking policies on cybersecurity, remote sensing, encryption, spectrum management, and high-tech exports to China, including 5G, software, and semiconductors. He also helped create the Wassenaar Arrangement. Lewis was a senior adviser for four UN Groups of Governmental Experts on Information Security, and his work on norms to build stability in cyberspace is foundational. He leads a long-running track 2 dialogue with the China Institutes of Contemporary International Relations. His current work looks at how countries innovate and at digitalization and its political, economic, and security effects. Early in his career, Lewis was a political adviser to two combatant commanders.
Lewis has authored numerous publications since coming to CSIS (see the full list here). He is frequently quoted in the media, has served on several federal advisory committees, and has testified numerous times before Congress. He received his PhD from the University of Chicago.
Areas of Expertise
Media Queries
- H. Andrew Schwartz
- Chief Communications Officer
- 202.775.3242
- aschwartz@csis.org
- Samuel Cestari
- Media Relations Coordinator, External Relations
- 202.775.7317
- scestari@csis.org
In the News
China's national security laws are fueling TikTok fears
James Andrew Lewis in Axios — March 15, 2024
TikTok Ban-or-Divest Bill Is Going Nowhere Fast in Senate
James Andrew Lewis in Bloomberg — March 14, 2024
Donald Trump's Tiktok ban position flip-flopped. What's behind his change of heart?
James Andrew Lewis in USA Today — March 14, 2024
TikTok’s Security Threats Go Beyond the Scope of House Legislation
James Andrew Lewis in The New York Times — March 13, 2024
What to Know About the Proposed TikTok Legislation
James Andrew Lewis in The New York Times — March 13, 2024
Experts say banning TikTok won't solve security concerns: ANALYSIS
James Andrew Lewis in ABC — March 13, 2024
New Biden order would stem flow of Americans’ sensitive data to China
James Andrew Lewis in The Washington Post — February 26, 2024
New Biden order would stem flow of Americans’ sensitive data to China
James Andrew Lewis in The Washington Post — February 26, 2024
All James Andrew Lewis Content
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Evolving Tech: Innovation, Competition, and Change
Section 702 of FISA: Privacy and Civil Liberties Reforms
Event — March 19, 2024
TikTok and National Security
Commentary by James Andrew Lewis — March 13, 2024
The New Executive Order on Personal Data
Commentary by James Andrew Lewis — March 6, 2024
Securing Communications Networks from Foreign Adversaries
Congressional Testimony by James Andrew Lewis — February 15, 2024
Navigating Spectrum Policy in the 5G Era
Podcast Episode by James Andrew Lewis — February 13, 2024
2024 Global Forecast: Winning the Economic and Tech Race
Digital Report by James Andrew Lewis, Emily Benson, William Alan Reinsch, Sujai Shivakumar, Joseph Majkut, Ben Cahill, Ilaria Mazzocco, Craig Cohen, and Alex Kisling — January 30, 2024
Audio Brief: The History of U.S.-China Technology Competition with James A. Lewis
Podcast Episode by James Andrew Lewis — January 30, 2024
2023 Year in Review
Podcast Episode by James Andrew Lewis and Christopher Painter — January 3, 2024
The Optimist's Guide to Digital Regulation with Mark MacCarthy
Podcast Episode by James Andrew Lewis and Caitlin Chin-Rothmann — December 15, 2023