Dr. Yasir Masood is a geostrategic analyst, international relations scholar, and broadcast journalist whose work examines geopolitics, strategic communication, strategic narratives, and global power dynamics. He holds a PhD in International Relations from the University of International Business and Economics (UIBE), Beijing, where his doctoral research, Demystifying Balochistan Discontent in Pakistan: Pathways to Conflict Transformation, examined conflict transformation, regional security, and political stability.
With more than a decade of experience across academia, research, media, and strategic communication, Dr. Masood’s work examines how power, security, and narratives shape contemporary international affairs.
Research Areas
- South Asian Geopolitics
- Pakistan’s Foreign Policy
- China–US Relations
- Indo-Pacific Security
- Belt and Road Initiative (BRI)
- China–Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC)
- Strategic Communication and Narratives
- Conflict Transformation
Academic Background & Research
Dr. Masood’s research focuses on South Asian geopolitics, Pakistan’s foreign policy, China–US relations, the Indo-Pacific, the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), the China–Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), strategic competition, and the evolving dynamics of a multipolar world order.
His academic work has been published in peer-reviewed journals and policy outlets covering China’s regional strategy, Pakistan–Russia relations, India–Pakistan relations, South Asian security, and regional political dynamics.
He has taught international relations, peace and conflict studies, China–US relations, and media studies at the University of International Business and Economics, the National Defence University, and Quaid-i-Azam University.
Broadcast Journalism & Media Commentary
As an international affairs commentator and broadcast journalist, Dr. Masood has appeared in more than 100 live programs on Pakistan TV (formerly PTV World), Pakistan’s international English-language news and current affairs channel.
He has also provided expert commentary for international media outlets, including Al Jazeera English, TRT World, Russia Today (RT), Al-Qahera News, CCTV, and CGTN. His analysis covers geopolitics, international security, foreign policy, strategic affairs, and the role of narratives in global competition.
Publications & Public Engagement
Dr. Masood’s commentary and analysis have appeared in South Asian Voices (Stimson Center), The Diplomat, South China Morning Post, Dawn, The Express Tribune, The Friday Times, and other leading publications.
Through his op-eds, analytical essays, and policy commentary, he has contributed to public debates on geopolitics, international security, foreign policy, and global affairs, with more than 70 articles published across national and international media platforms.
Professional Experience
- Founding Senior Research Fellow — Regional Rapport, Islamabad
- New Media Editor — Commentary Programming Department, China Global Television Network (CGTN), Beijing
- Host — E-Talk — China Economic Net (CEN), Beijing
- Consultant, Communications & Reporting — UNESCO, Islamabad
- Director, Media & Publications — Centre of Excellence for CPEC, Government of Pakistan, Islamabad
- Visiting Lecturer — School of Politics and International Relations, Quaid-i-Azam University, Islamabad
- Faculty of Contemporary Studies — Department of International Relations, National Defence University (NDU), Islamabad
- Literary Editor — Pakistan Institute of Development Economics (PIDE), Islamabad
- Research Officer & Editor — Institute of Regional Studies (IRS), Islamabad
Research Projects & Recognition
A recipient of a Chinese government PhD scholarship and recognized by Xinhua News as a Global Scholar of the Belt and Road Initiative, Dr. Masood has been recognized for his contributions to academic and policy discussions on regional connectivity and global affairs.
His research project, Media Warfare: Comparative Perspectives on US–China Relations, reflects his broader interest in information competition, strategic narratives, and communication in contemporary international relations.
Through his research, commentary, and professional engagements, Dr. Masood continues to contribute to discussions on geopolitics, international security, strategic communication, and global transformation.
His dissertation, “Demystifying Balochistan Discontent in Pakistan: Pathways to Conflict Transformation,” reflects his commitment to resolving regional conflicts. With over a decade of teaching and research experience, his expertise encompasses South Asian geopolitics, Pakistan’s foreign policy, US-Pakistan relations, the Indo-Pacific region, the Belt and Road Initiative, the China–Pakistan Economic Corridor, China–US relations, and China’s foreign policy.
As a seasoned broadcast journalist and security analyst, Dr Masood has appeared on more than 100 live talk shows on PTV World and provided expert commentary for Al Jazeera English, TRT World, Russia Today, CCTV, CGTN and other international outlets. He also regularly provides in-depth analysis on international relations to leading global media and think tanks.
In addition to his doctorate, he earned an MS in International Relations from Kingston University, London, & an MA in English Literature from the University of the Punjab. This diverse foundation sharpens his ability to integrate rigorous research, strategic communication and policy development.
As a Visiting Senior Research Fellow at the Global Governance Institute in Beijing, he conducts interdisciplinary studies on China–US relations, the South China Sea, Indo-Pacific security, the Belt and Road Initiative, China’s foreign policy and South Asian geopolitics. His work appears in leading journals and informs highlevel policy discussions.
He also serves as adjunct faculty at UIBE’s School of International Relations, where he teaches peace and conflict studies, China–US relations and media studies. He mentors emerging scholars and policymakers in navigating global security and media dynamics.
Alongside his academic roles, Dr Masood serves as Executive Producer of Opinion, Policy, and Analysis at China Global Television Network (CGTN), Beijing. In this capacity, he produces strategic editorial content on global affairs, interviews thought leaders and develops narratives that engage international audiences. He previously hosted ETalk, a biweekly political show on China Economic Net, which explored critical geopolitical developments.
His communications experience includes serving as a Consultant for Communications and Media at UNESCO Islamabad and as Director of Media and Publications at the Centre of Excellence for the China–Pakistan Economic Corridor. In these roles, he developed strategic media campaigns, policy briefs and national and international seminars that enhanced public understanding of major global initiatives.
His publications, many of which have been translated into multiple languages, reflect a global reach & intellectual depth. A recognized thought leader, he was awarded a prestigious Chinese government PhD scholarship for his contributions to the CPEC narrative and was named a Global Scholar of the Belt and Road by Xinhua News. He has represented Pakistan at numerous national and international forums, where he advocates for peace, economic cooperation and cross-cultural understanding.
Fluent in English & regional languages like Pashto, Urdu and Punjabi, Dr Masood brings a rich cultural perspective to his work. Through his op-eds, academic research and policy contributions, he aims to illuminate complex global challenges and offer actionable insights for a more inclusive and interconnected world.
