Andrew James Harding is a Research Assistant in The Heritage Foundation’s Asian Studies Center. He leads the center's work on the Pacific Islands and conducts research on U.S.-China strategic competition, Indo-Pacific security strategy, and Oceania.

Harding is the author of “The Pacific Pivot: An American Strategy for the Pacific Islands,” The Heritage Foundation's first publication that articulates a comprehensive, national strategy for U.S. engagement in the Pacific Islands region. He played a role in the renewal of key provisions of the Compact of Free Association (COFA) agreements with the Federated States of Micronesia, the Republic of the Marshall Islands, and the Republic of Palau. He regularly hosts and participates in briefings with current and former executive and legislative branch officials on Pacific Island affairs.

Harding is a co-editor of The Heritage Foundation’s “Winning the New Cold War: A Plan for Countering China” and “2024 China Transparency Report.” His writings have appeared in Fox News, National Review, Newsweek, The National Interest, The Hill, RealClear Defense, Defense News, 19FortyFive, and the Center for Maritime Strategy. 

Harding holds two bachelor’s degrees from the Elliott School of International Affairs (B.A. Asian Studies, International Affairs) and the Columbian College of Arts and Sciences (B.A. Political Science) at The George Washington University.