Honors Week: Analyzing U.S. – China Conflict Asymmetries

John Kennedy ’25 used his Virginia Military Institute Honors Week presentation to tackle how asymmetries between the United States and China shape the potential for conflict in his thesis titled, “Asymmetries Between the U.S. and China in the Context of Conflict.” 

Kennedy, an economics and business major, will marry after graduation and commissioning, before heading to Fort Moore for infantry officer training. 

“I started VMI the same week Abbey Gate was bombed during the Afghanistan withdrawal,” Kennedy said. “That moment made it clear to many of us that peace isn’t guaranteed. I wanted to examine what future conflict could actually look like, especially with China.”

Kennedy focused his research on China’s conventional military capabilities, strategic doctrine, and economic leverage.  

“Public rhetoric makes China seem like a looming military threat,” he said. “But my research suggests that their economic power may be the more serious concern.”  

“Cadet Kennedy has done a remarkable job of taking a very large topic and reducing it to its bare bones,” Col. Atin Basuchoudhary, Kennedy’s faculty advisor, said. “He has combined various elements of his learning experience to answer his thesis question.” 

The thesis process began during Kennedy’s 2nd Class year with topic selection and continued through a series of formal submissions. Most of his work was done this spring.  

“I spent about three hours a week on it, mostly reading and refining ideas,” he said. “The Rat Line made it tough to make real progress last fall.” 

Kennedy says he’s gained both insight and perspective through the process of his thesis.  

“This research helped me think critically about the reality behind the headlines,” he said. “It’s easy to be alarmed by military posturing, but understanding the economic side gives you a fuller picture.” 

Kennedy also acknowledged the importance of mentorship throughout the project.  

“I want to thank Colonel Basuchoudhary and Colonel [Spencer] Bakich for their guidance,” he said. “Their support helped make this project possible.”