Bilahari Kausikan

Bilahari Kausikan is a prominent diplomat from Singapore, known for his insights into international relations, particularly in the context of Asia-Pacific politics.

Kausikan studied political science at the University of Singapore before receiving a scholarship to embark on a PhD in international relations at Columbia University. However, he decided against an academic career and returned to Singapore to join the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA) in 1981.

During his 37 years in the Ministry, Kausikan served in a variety of appointments at home and abroad. He was Singapore’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations in New York and was Ambassador to the Russian Federation. Kausikan also held roles as the Deputy Secretary for Southeast Asia, the Permanent Secretary of the MFA, and in 2013 became the Ambassador-at-Large and Policy Advisor, a position he held until 2018.

Known for his frank and often provocative views on the geopolitics of the Asia-Pacific, especially concerning China and US-China relations, Kausikan has written and spoken extensively on the complexities of diplomacy, nation-states, and international politics. Many of his speeches and articles touch upon the importance of ASEAN and the roles of major powers in the region.

In recognition of his significant contributions, Kausikan has been conferred several awards, including the Pingat Jasa Gemilang Meritorious Service Medal by the government of Singapore.

After his retirement from the foreign service, Bilahari Kausikan continued to be active in academia and public discourse. He has held positions in think-tanks and universities, where he shares his extensive experience in diplomacy and international relations on various global forums and platforms.

Bilahari Kausikan became Chairman of the Middle East Institute, an autonomous institute of the National University of Singapore in 2017 and retired in 2024, but remains associated with the institute as Distinguished Fellow. He is also the author of several books including Singapore Is Not an Island and its second collection, Singapore Is Still Not an Island, along with many articles in local and international journals.