Maggie Sparling is studying Economics and History and is a Master’s in Public Policy candidate at the University of Virginia. She is currently a research assistant at the National Security Policy Center. This past summer, Maggie was a National Security Innovation Network X-Force Fellow focused on Chinese gray zone activity in the Pacific Islands. She has previously worked with the National Counterintelligence and Security Center, U.S. Cyber Command, and the Women’s Foreign Policy Group.
By fostering deeper engagement with the Pacific Islands to facilitate information and communications technology development, the United States can both address increasing Chinese influence in the region and improve the health and stability of Pacific democracies.
With Chinese influence growing, now is the time for Washington to earn the region’s long-term trust.
