Dr. Jonathan Spangler is an Assistant Professor (Adjunct) in the International Affairs and Diplomacy Program at Ming Chuan University in Taipei, Taiwan. He concurrently serves as the Director of the South China Sea Think Tank. 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) and proficient in Spanish.

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 related to 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.

Why I’m on Couchsurfing

HOW I PARTICIPATE IN COUCHSURFING

Living in Quito, Seoul, Ningbo, San José, and Taipei, I've hosted a variety of different people from all over. I love the experience one gains through sharing time and living spaces with others, especially those with different ideals, cultures, aspirations, etc. Whenever I have a place for others to stay, I'm happy to host anytime.

COUCHSURFING EXPERIENCE

I've been hosted in the past and am happy to return that favor by hosting at my place. Let me know!

Interests

• running
• outdoor activities
• trail running
• international relations

Music, Movies, and Books

MOVIES

Miyazaki Hayao, Sergio Leone, Stanley Kubrick, Park Chan-wook, Ridley Scott

MUSIC

Glitchy electronic, Irish traditional, symphonic metal, and the genres in between.

BOOKS

Daniel Drezner, Murakami Haruki, Ambrose Bierce, Mark Twain

One Amazing Thing I’ve Done

My finest experiences have involved interacting with people from different walks of life. Sharing experiences with others, learning from them, and gaining a deeper understanding of the world as a result.

Teach, Learn, Share

Come and share. Knowledge is power (at least for non-state actors like ourselves).

Countries I’ve Visited

Canada, China, Costa Rica, Côte d'Ivoire, Finland, France, Hungary, Ireland, Kenya, Mexico, Niger, Philippines, Russian Federation, South Africa, South Korea, Spain, Switzerland, Taiwan, Thailand, United Kingdom

Countries I’ve Lived In

China, Costa Rica, Ecuador, South Korea, Taiwan, United States

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