"A gifted diplomat, a student of history and philosophy, a provocative writer and an intuitive thinker. " - FOREIGN POLICY ASSOCIATION MEDAL CITATION
Kishore Mahbubani is a distinguished Singaporean diplomat, academic, and prolific author. He served as Singapore’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations twice (1984-1989, 1998-2004), and held the prestigious position of President of the UN Security Council in 2001 and 2002. Mahbubani's diplomatic career spanned 33 years, with postings in Cambodia, Malaysia, Washington DC, and New York. He was also Permanent Secretary of Singapore’s Foreign Ministry from 1993 to 1998. For his exemplary service, he was awarded Singapore's Public Administration Medal (Gold) in 1998.
In 2004, Mahbubani transitioned to academia, becoming the Founding Dean of the Lee Kuan Yew School of Public Policy at the National University of Singapore, where he served until 2017. He was also a Professor in the Practice of Public Policy from 2006 to 2019. He continues to be involved in academia as a Distinguished Fellow at the Asia Research Institute.
Mahbubani has authored nine influential books, including Can Asians Think?, The New Asian Hemisphere, Has the West Lost It?, and Has China Won?, and his work has been recognized globally, with his books downloaded over 3 million times. His forthcoming memoir, Living the Asian Century, will be released in August 2024.
Throughout his career, Mahbubani has received numerous accolades, including being named one of the top 100 public intellectuals by Foreign Policy and Prospect magazines, and one of the top 50 thinkers shaping the future of capitalism by the Financial Times. He was also elected as an honorary member of the American Academy of Arts and Sciences in 2019.
Mahbubani is widely regarded as one of the foremost global thinkers, with his work shaping discourse on international relations, global governance, and the rise of Asia.
Speaking topics
The Great Convergence: Asia, the West, and the Logic of One World
Kishore Mahbubani presents a manifesto on the future of global politics. Singapore's former UN ambassador advocates for a "theory of one world," encouraging leaders to recognize the convergence of global interests and values and to adopt a more multilateral approach to world governance.
China-India Relations In A Changing World
Feature Prof. Kishore Mahbubani, Ambassador Jayant Prasad, and Major-Gen Dr. Yao Yunzhu, bringing together scholars and policymakers to discuss cooperation between the two nations. The panel explores the China-India bilateral relationship amidst global challenges such as climate change, global terrorism post-ISIS, and the South China Sea conflict.
The Three Global Revolutions
Asia's return to dominance, the acceleration of globalization, and the disruptive impact of technology. Kishore Mahbubani explores how these forces are reshaping global order and causing turbulence in world affairs.
What Happens When China Becomes Number One?
Kishore Mahbubani explores China's rise as the world's largest economy for the first time in over 200 years. He discusses key questions, including China's future priorities, the impact of U.S. policies on China, and whether China will act like the U.S. when it becomes number one. Mahbubani emphasizes the need for wise global leadership.
Has The West Lost It? Can Asia Save It?
Kishore Mahbubani critiques the West's reluctance to adapt to its declining global dominance amidst the rise of China, India, and the non-Western world. He advocates for a new strategy that is minimalist, multilateral, and Machiavellian, urging the West to avoid military overreach, support the UN, and focus on pragmatic solutions to global challenges.
How the West can adapt to a rising Asia
With Asian economies and governments growing in power, the West must adjust to the evolving global landscape, says author and diplomat Kishore Mahbubani. In a compelling analysis of international politics, Mahbubani outlines a three-part strategy for Western governments to regain influence and enhance their relationships with the rest of the world.
Asia Economics and Diplomacy
International Affairs and Security
Politics and Government
Global Economy
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