The Tea Leaves Podcast

Jennifer Welch on the Taiwan Election and Cross-Strait Dynamics Dec 14, 2023

Jennifer Welch is the Chief Geoeconomics Analyst at Bloomberg. She most recently served as Director for China and Taiwan on the U.S. National Security Council and as Special Advisor for Asia and the Pacific in the offices of Vice President Kamala Harris and former Vice President Mike Pence. Previously, she was Fulbright fellow in Xi'an, China, where she worked with local scholars and nutritionists to design a health education program. She holds a bachelor's degree in international relations and East Asian studies from Bucknell University.

Debbie Yong on Indo-Pacific Consumer Trends and Food Culture Nov 14, 2023

Debbie Yong is a Senior Strategist focusing on the Asia-Pacific region at WGSN, a consumer-trend forecasting company. She previously worked as the Editorial Director of the Michelin Guide in Asia and the Middle East, a China media analyst for BBC Monitoring, and a reporter for the Straits Times and the Business Times in Singapore. In 2019, Netflix featured her as a Singaporean food expert on “Street Food: Asia. She holds a dual master’s degree in global media and communications from the London School of Economics and Fudan University in China, as well as a bachelor’s degree in English Literature from the University of Pennsylvania.

Arthur Sinodinos on Prime Minister Albanese's Washington Visit Oct 30, 2023

The Hon. Arthur Sinodinos AO is Partner and Chair of The Asia Group's Australia Practice. He most recently served as Australia's Ambassador to the United States, where he was closely involved in negotiations related to AUKUS, the Quad, and the Indo-Pacific Economic Framework. Amb. Sinodinos previously served as Australia’s Minister for Industry, Innovation and Science and as Senator for New South Wales in the Australian Parliament from 2011 to 2019. He also served as Cabinet Secretary and Assistant Treasurer, as well as Chief of Staff and Senior Economic Adviser to Prime Minister Hon. John Howard AC.

Adm. Phil Davidson on Indo-Pacific Security Dynamics Oct 13, 2023

Phil Davidson is a retired four-star admiral in the U.S. Navy who last served as the 25th Commander of United States Indo-Pacific Command (INDOPACOM). He served in the Navy for almost 40 years until his retirement in 2021. Before becoming the Commander of INDOPACOM, he was the commander of U.S. Fleet Forces Command/Naval Forces U.S. Northern Command. He previously served as commander of the U.S. 6th Fleet, and the commander of the Naval Striking and Support Forces NATO, while simultaneously serving as the deputy commander of U.S. Naval Forces Europe and U.S. Naval Forces Africa. His decorations include the Distinguished Service Medal, the Marine Corps Commendation Medal with Combat “V,” a Superior Honor Award from the U.S. Department of State, and numerous other awards. He holds a Master of Arts degree in national security and a Bachelor of Science degree in physics from the United States Naval War College.

Mitsuru Claire Chino on Law and Business in Asia Sep 21, 2023

Mitsuru Claire Chino is the Managing Executive Officer of ITOCHU Corporation, a Fortune 500 company headquartered in Tokyo, Japan. She was previously president and CEO of ITOCHU International, the company’s New York-based North America-focused subsidiary. In 2013, she became the first female executive officer of any major trading company in Japan. Before joining ITOCHU, she practiced as a lawyer at an international law firm in the United States and in Hong Kong at Graham & James. Asia Legal Business recognized her as a "Top 25 In-House Counsel in Asia," and the Financial Times named her the "Asia Pacific's Innovative Lawyer" and included her on the "FT Global General Counsel 30" list of the world’s top in-house lawyers. She has also been a Young Global Leader at the World Economic Forum and a Yale University Maurice R. Greenberg World Fellow. She is a classically trained singer and has given solo performances at venues like the Weill Carnegie Hall and the Suntory Hall.

Anand Shah on India's Impactful G20 Sep 14, 2023

Anand Shah is a Partner at The Asia Group, which he joined in 2022 as part of the firm’s acquisition of Dhamiri, a venture that he founded to help corporations align their core businesses with public good in critical international markets. He previously led the development of strategic initiatives as Senior Vice President of Indian ride-hailing giant Ola and has also worked at the Albright Stonebridge Group, BMW AG, and Audi AG. He spent 15 years living in India, where he founded Sarvajal, a technology and market-based provider of clean water to rural villages and urban settlements, and helped establish Ahmedabad University. He was also the Founding CEO of the Piramal Foundation, a Co-Founder of Teach for India, and the Founder of Indicorps, a pioneering public service program.

Chat Chuenrudeemol on "Bangkok Bastards" and Finding Beauty in Everyday Architecture Aug 22, 2023

Chatpong "Chat" Chuenrudeemol is the Principal and Founder of CHAT Architects, a Bangkok-based research and design practice, as well as CHAT Lab, a think tank that aims to discover new Thai vernacular typologies. In 2020, Chat received the Silpathorn award from Thailand’s Ministry of Culture – the country’s most prestigious award for contemporary artists. His architectural works have won Architectural Review’s AR House Awards, the Architecture Masterprize in 2021, and a Building of the Year Award in the Asia-Pacific region. He was previously a Partner at Bangkok Architectural Research and an Architect at the Boston-based NADAAA. Chat has taught architecture at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), the National University of Singapore, Taylor University, and Chulalongkorn University. He holds a bachelor’s degree in architecture from the University of California, Berkeley, and a master’s degree from Harvard University’s Graduate School of Design.

Kathy Matsui on Japan's Growing Workforce Diversity Jul 31, 2023

Kathy Matsui is a General Partner of MPower Partners, Japan’s first ESG-focused global venture capital fund. She is also an external board director at Fast Retailing, at adjunct professor at Kyoto University Graduate School of Management, and an advisory board member at the University of Tokyo. She was previously vice chair and chief Japan strategist at Goldman Sachs. She is the author of How to Nurture Female Employees, published in Japanese in 2020. Former Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe credited Matsui with coining the term “womenomics” – which she first wrote about in 1999 – and incorporated her research into his economic reforms. MPower’s blog can be found at https://www.mpower-partners.com/blog-en/

Anand Shah on India as a Global Economic Superpower Jul 10, 2023

Anand Shah is a Partner at The Asia Group, which he joined in 2022 as part of the firm’s acquisition of Dhamiri, a venture that he founded to help corporations align their core businesses with public good in critical international markets. He previously led the development of strategic initiatives as Senior Vice President of Indian ride-hailing giant Ola. He has also worked at the Albright Stonebridge Group, BMW AG, and Audi AG. He spent 15 years living in India, where he founded Sarvajal, a technology and market-based provider of clean water to rural villages and urban settlements, and helped establish Ahmedabad University. He was also the Founding CEO of the Piramal Foundation, a Co-Founder of Teach for India, and the Founder of Indicorps, a pioneering public service program.

Chris Johnstone on Japan’s Growing Security Leadership Jun 12, 2023

Chris Johnstone is a senior advisor at The Asia Group and Japan Chair at the Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS). Prior to joining CSIS, he served in government for 25 years in a variety of senior positions with a focus on U.S. policy toward Japan and the Indo-Pacific region. He served twice on the National Security Council, as director for East Asia under President Joe Biden and director for Japan and Oceanian affairs under President Barack Obama. In the Office of the Secretary of Defense, he led offices with responsibility for South and Southeast Asia and East Asia. He began his career as an intelligence officer in the Central Intelligence Agency.

Arthur Sinodinos: The Future of U.S-Australian Relations With Canberra's Most Recent Man in D.C. May 18, 2023

The Hon. Arthur Sinodinos AO is Partner and Chair of The Asia Group's Australia Practice. He most recently served as Australian Ambassador to the United States, where he was closely involved in Australia’s negotiations related to AUKUS, the Quad, and the Indo-Pacific Economic Framework. Ambassador Sinodinos previously worked as Australia’s Minister for Industry, Innovation and Science and was a Senator for New South Wales in the Australian Parliament from 2011 to 2019. He also served as Cabinet Secretary and Assistant Treasurer, as well as Chief of Staff and Senior Economic Adviser to Prime Minister Hon. John Howard AC.

Valerie Rozman: From Cajun to Asian Cuisine May 12, 2023

Valerie Rozman recently joined The Asia Group as Director of Research and Analytics and as a Principal, co-leading the Southeast Asia practice. She served in the U.S. government for nearly two decades, primarily in the intelligence community. She was inducted into the CIA’s Senior Analytic Service and served in a number of senior Asia-focused positions, including as Deputy National Intelligence Manager at the Office of the Director of National Intelligence (ODNI) and Deputy National Intelligence Officer for East Asia at ODNI. She has briefed numerous senior U.S. and foreign officials, including the U.S. President and U.S. and foreign Cabinet-level officials, on East Asia issues.

Wendy Cutler on the Future of Trade in the Indo-Pacific Apr 25, 2023

Wendy Cutler is Vice President at the Asia Society Policy Institute (ASPI) and the managing director of the Washington, D.C. office. She joined ASPI after nearly three decades as a diplomat and negotiator in the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative (USTR), where she served as Acting Deputy U.S. Trade Representative. During her USTR career, she worked on a range of bilateral and multilateral trade negotiations and initiatives, including the U.S.-Korea Free Trade Agreement, the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP), U.S.-China negotiations, and the WTO Financial Services negotiations.

Author Charles Dunst on Strengthening Democracy Mar 27, 2023

Charles Dunst is the deputy director of research and analytics at The Asia Group and an adjunct fellow at the Center for Strategic and International Studies. A former foreign correspondent, he has reported from countries including Cambodia, Myanmar, Vietnam, Israel and the Palestinian territories, the United Arab Emirates, Oman, Romania, and Hungary. He has written for The New York Times, The Atlantic, The Washington Post, and The Telegraph, among other publications. His first book, Defeating the Dictators: How Democracy Can Prevail in the Age of the Strongman, was published by Hodder & Stoughton in February 2023.

Best-Selling Author Nguyễn Phan Quế Mai on Vietnamese Literature Mar 01, 2023

Dr. Nguyễn Phan Quế Mai is an award-winning Vietnamese writer. She is the author of eleven books of poetry, short fiction, and non-fiction. Her books in Vietnamese have won the 2010 Poetry of the Year Award from the Hanoi Writers Association and first prize in the Poetry Competition celebrating 1,000 Years of Hanoi. Her debut novel and first book in English, The Mountains Sing, is an international bestseller and won the 2021 PEN Oakland/Josephine Miles Literary Award. She regularly writes for Vietnamese newspapers and her writing has appeared in outlets including The New York Times, BBC Vietnamese, LitHub, and Poets & Writers Magazine. Her second novel in English, Dust Child, is forthcoming from Algonquin Books.

Dr. Evan Medeiros on the Balloon Incident and the State of U.S.-China Relations Feb 21, 2023

On this episode of the Tea Leaves Podcast, Dr. Evan S. Medeiros provided his unique insight into the state of U.S.-China relations following the Chinese surveillance balloon incident, why the incident matters, and the outlook for re-engagement. Dr. Medeiros and Rexon also explored how China’s domestic economic imperatives are shaping its foreign policy, expectations for the upcoming Two Sessions parliamentary meetings, how Washington can use its diplomatic and economic leverage over Beijing, and more.

Dr. Medeiros is the Penner Family Chair in Asian Studies at the Georgetown University School of Foreign Service and a Senior Advisor at The Asia Group. Dr. Medeiros served on the National Security Council for six years under U.S. President Barack Obama, first as Director for China, Taiwan, and Mongolia, and then as President Obama’s top advisor for U.S. policy in Asia.

Ashok Malik on India’s Economic and Strategic Outlook Nov 10, 2022

Ashok Malik is a Partner at The Asia Group and Chair of its New Delhi-based subsidiary in India where he leads the firm’s in-market business strategy and services. Prior to joining the firm, Ashok served for three years (2019-22) as Policy Advisor/Additional Secretary in India’s Ministry of External Affairs. In that capacity, he worked closely with External Affairs Minister Dr. S. Jaishankar and others in the senior leadership of the Ministry to help shape and explain India’s foreign policy in a crucial and eventful period for the international system. Between 2017 and 2019, Ashok served as speechwriter and spokesperson for the 14th President of India, President Ram Nath Kovind. Before joining the government, Ashok was a Distinguished Fellow at the Observer Research Foundation, one of India’s preeminent think-tanks, where he analyzed India’s foreign policy and political economy. For nearly two decades, Ashok also had a distinguished career as a writer and editor at The Times of India, Hindustan Times, The Indian Express and numerous other leading Indian publications. He became one of India’s best-read columnists and commentators, and was in 2016 awarded the Padma Shri, one of India’s highest civilian honors.

Former USINDOPACOM Commander Adm. Philip S. Davidson Examines Taiwan’s Deterrence Capabilities Jun 07, 2022

Admiral Philip S. Davidson served as the 25th Commander of the U.S. Indo-Pacific Command from 2018 to 2021. Before leading USINDOPACOM, Admiral Davidson held U.S. Navy leadership roles in North America, Europe, and Africa, and served ashore in multiple policy, strategy, and operations roles; these included service as senior military advisor to the Special Representative for Afghanistan and Pakistan (SRAP) at the State Department, deputy director for Strategy and Policy in the Joint Staff, and as the Navy’s military aide to the vice president of the United States. On this episode, Admiral Davidson examined China's strategic objectives in the Indo-Pacific region, assessed the strengths and weaknesses of Taiwan's deterrence capabilities, and underscored the value of U.S. engagement and cooperation with allies and partners in the region.

Hon. Kevin Rudd Details a Strategic Framework to Protect U.S.-China Stability May 24, 2022

Hon. Kevin Rudd served as Australia’s 26th Prime Minister from 2007 to 2010 and again in 2013, and as its Foreign Minister from 2010 to 2012. Today, Kevin is global President and CEO of the Asia Society in New York, and President of the Asia Society Policy Institute. On this episode we discussed Kevin's new book, The Avoidable War: The Dangers of a Catastrophic Conflict Between the U.S. and Xi Jinping’s China, which is available now everywhere books are sold. Kevin and Rexon explore the risk of conflict between the United States and China, and Kevin's recommendation for a strategic framework to maintain stability between Washington and Beijing.

Dr. Amy Searight on the Issues Driving the 2022 U.S.-ASEAN Summit May 10, 2022

Dr. Amy Searight is a leading U.S. expert on Southeast Asia and U.S. policy in the Indo-Pacific region. Dr. Searight served as Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense for South and Southeast Asia from 2014 to 2016, before which she served in the Office of the Secretary of Defense, USAID, and on the State Department's Policy Planning Staff. Today, Amy is a senior associate for Asia at CSIS. On this episode, Amy offered a preview of the historic U.S.-ASEAN Special Summit, which U.S. President Joe Biden will host in Washington on May 12-13. In addition to expectations for the summit, we discussed the challenges facing ASEAN, its members' views on the U.S. Indo-Pacific Strategy and economic framework, China's relations with the bloc, the Philippines election, and more.

Ashley J. Tellis, Part 2: Opportunities for U.S.-India Cooperation on Trade, Technology, and Security Apr 26, 2022

In part two of our conversation with Ashley J. Tellis, we discussed opportunities for the United States and India to expand their relationship through greater cooperation on trade, technology, and security. We also discussed India's views on the Indo-Pacific Economic Framework, the outlook for a visit to India by U.S. President Joe Biden, Pakistan's changing role in Indian security considerations, and more.Ashley holds the Tata Chair for Strategic Affairs and is a senior fellow at the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace. Previously, he served on the National Security Council (NSC) as special assistant to President George W. Bush and senior director for strategic planning and Southwest Asia. On the NSC he was a top negotiator of the pivotal 2005 U.S.-India Civil Nuclear Agreement – a landmark agreement that helped transform the U.S.-India relationship.You can watch the full video of our conversation at: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCwSvkY8tzvEq21kNOjYILXQ

Ashley J. Tellis, Part 1: Explaining India-Russia Relations Amid the Ukraine War Apr 20, 2022

Ashley J. Tellis holds the Tata Chair for Strategic Affairs and is a senior fellow at the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace. Previously, he served on the National Security Council (NSC) as special assistant to President George W. Bush and senior director for strategic planning and Southwest Asia. On the NSC he was a top negotiator of the pivotal 2005 U.S.-India Civil Nuclear Agreement – a landmark agreement that helped transform the U.S.-India relationship. In part one of our conversation with Ashley, we discussed India's strategic calculus around its relations with Russia amid the Russia-Ukraine war. We also discussed the role of India's tensions with China, and how the White House views India's Russia ties.You can watch the full video of our conversation at: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCwSvkY8tzvEq21kNOjYILXQ

Amb. Joseph Yun on South Korean Foreign Policy and President-Elect Yoon Mar 23, 2022

On this episode, Ambassador Joseph Yun joined us for a deep dive on South Korean President-Elect Yoon Suk-yeol's victory and how the Yoon administration will shape Seoul's foreign policy. We discussed South Korea's relations with the United States, North Korea, and Japan, as well as potential cooperation with the Quad and policy surrounding the Russia-Ukraine War.Ambassador Yun has more than 33 years of diplomatic service, including as U.S. Special Representative for North Korea Policy from October 2016 to May 2018, and as U.S. Ambassador to Malaysia from 2013 to 2016. On March 22, 2022, U.S. President Joe Biden appointed Ambassador Yun as Special Presidential Envoy for Compact Negotiations, to manage negotiations between the United States and the three Pacific Island countries collectively known as the Freely Associated States (FAS).

Amb. Ted Osius on Shaping U.S. Economic Diplomacy in ASEAN Mar 04, 2022

On this episode of The Tea Leaves Podcast, we sat down with Ambassador Ted Osius, the President and CEO of the U.S.-ASEAN Business Council and former U.S. Ambassador to Vietnam (2014-2017). Ted highlighted his experience promoting the Trans-Pacific Partnership as the top U.S. diplomat in Hanoi, and discussed the evolution of economic and political relations between the United States and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN). We also discussed U.S. ambitions to forge a new economic policy agreement in Asia, and the private sector's role in strengthening ties between the United States and Southeast Asia.

Dr. Thomas Wright on the Russia-Ukraine Crisis and World Order After COVID-19 Feb 15, 2022

Dr. Thomas Wright is the director of the Center on the United States and Europe and a senior fellow in the Project on International Order and Strategy at the Brookings Institution. Tom is also a contributing writer for The Atlantic magazine, and last year published Aftershocks: Pandemic Politics and the End of the Old International Order, which he co-authored with current Under Secretary of Defense for Policy Colin Kahl. On this episode, we discussed the Russia-Ukraine crisis and Russian President Vladimir Putin's endgame, how great power rivalry and U.S.-China relations shaped the pandemic response, and the changing power dynamics and outlook for cooperation in the emerging world order.

Welcome.US CEO Nazanin Ash on Welcoming Afghan Refugees Feb 01, 2022

Nazanin Ash is the CEO of Welcome.US, a non-profit, non-partisan initiative that seeks to rally additional support and resources from the American private sector, NGOs, and community groups in support of arriving Afghans. The initiative was launched in September 2021, and has partnered with the U.S. State Department, as well as more than 250 NGOs, businesses, and leaders of diverse faiths, politics, and backgrounds. Previously, Nazanin was vice president of Global Policy and Advocacy at the International Rescue Committee, and served in senior positions in the U.S. State Department and USAID.On this episode, Nazanin discussed the challenge of resettling close to 100,000 Afghan refugees in less than six months, the Welcome.US approach to public-private partnership and how the organization is rallying resources from across American society, and how the United States can ensure that our new neighbors are provided the support and opportunities to thrive.Please visit www.welcome.us for more information on how you can support the Afghan resettlement effort.

Congressman Ami Bera on “Strategic Deterrence” and Congress’ Role in U.S. Indo-Pacific Policy Jan 18, 2022

Congressman Ami Bera has represented California’s 7th Congressional District in the U.S. House of Representatives since 2013, and he serves as Chairman of the Subcommittee on Asia, the Pacific, Central Asia, and Nonproliferation for the House Foreign Affairs Committee. Before entering politics, Congressman Bera had a twenty-year medical career in the Sacramento area. He is a first-generation American, born and raised in California, and the longest-serving Indian American serving in Congress.On this episode, we discussed the prospects for U.S. legislation focused on competition with China, U.S.-China relations and Congress' role with regard to Taiwan, and the United States' role and partnerships in the Indo-Pacific region.

AwanTunai Founder Dino Setiawan on Redefining Indonesian Fintech Dec 13, 2021

This special episode, presented by the Asia Group in partnership with Bloomberg, highlights the InFinity Forum, a new flagship conference hosted by the Government of India and Bloomberg. Our guest for this episode is Dino Setiawan, chief executive officer and co-founder of AwanTunai, and an advisor to the InFinity Forum. AwanTunai is an Indonesian startup providing financing and digital e-commerce tools to brick-and-mortar wholesalers and small-scale entrepreneurs in the greater Jakarta area. On this episode, Dino discussed building AwanTunai and its prospects for growth, how his platform leverages data to make lending decisions and promote financial inclusion, and the evolution of fintech in Indonesia.The Asia Group served as Bloomberg’s knowledge partner for the InFinity Forum, which earlier this month convened entrepreneurs, policymakers, and other leading figures to discuss fintech’s development, and its potential to promote financial inclusion, in Asian markets.

Representative Bi-khim Hsiao on Taiwan’s Overseas Engagement and Economic Ties Nov 23, 2021

Representative Bi-khim Hsiao leads the Taipei Economic and Cultural Representative Office (TECRO) in Washington, DC, serving as Taiwan’s top representative in the United States since July 2020. Before entering her current role, Representative Hsiao was Senior Adviser to Taiwanese President Tsai Ing-wen at the National Security Council of Taiwan, and previously served four terms in the Taiwan Legislature, where she was ranking member of the Foreign Affairs and Defense Committee. On this episode, Rexon and Representative Hsiao discussed engagement between Washington and Taipei, Taiwan's pandemic response, regional security issues, Taiwan's engagement with Japan, and more.

Peter Borup on the Supply Chain Crisis and the Global Shipping Industry Nov 08, 2021

Peter Borup is a seasoned shipping executive with nearly three decades of experience across Europe, Asia, and the Middle East. Peter began his career with A.P. Moller Maersk in Copenhagen, and helped to build the company’s businesses in South Korea and China. Most recently, Peter was the CEO of Norvic Shipping International, based in Denmark and the U.A.E. In this episode, we discussed the 2021 global supply chain disruptions, longterm challenges and trends in shipping, and the prospects for the shipping industries of China, India, and other Indo-Pacific economies.

John Brennan on U.S. Partnerships and Intelligence in the Indo-Pacific Region Oct 11, 2021

Former Director of the Central Intelligence Agency John Brennan led the CIA from 2013 to 2017, following four years as assistant to President Obama for Homeland Security and Counterterrorism. A key decision-maker on many of the country’s most critical national security matters, Mr. Brennan played a central role in efforts to counter international extremism, U.S. policy in Syria and the fight against ISIS, and the Iran deal. Mr. Brennan served six U.S. presidents, and in 2003 became the founding director of the CIA Terrorist Threat Integration Center. In this episode, John offered insights from his nearly four decades of experience in the CIA, commenting on the Afghanistan withdrawal and its implications for regional security, the role of the Quad and other U.S. partnerships in maintaining a free and open Indo-Pacific region, and the CIA’s response to the unique intelligence challenges posed by China.

Dr. Michael J. Green on the Quad Summit and Suga’s Successor Sep 24, 2021

Dr. Michael J. Green is senior vice president for Asia and Japan Chair at the Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS) and director of Asian Studies at the Edmund A. Walsh School of Foreign Service at Georgetown University. Previously, Dr. Green served on the National Security Council staff from 2001 through 2005, first as director for Asian affairs, and then as special assistant to the president for national security affairs and senior director for Asia. Today we are lucky to work with Mike at The Asia Group, where he is a senior advisor. In this episode, Mike and Rexon delved into Japanese Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga's resignation, the race for leadership of Japan's ruling Liberal Democratic Party, the AUKUS security pact, and the first in-person Quad Leaders Summit.You can find a full video of this episode at www.youtube.com/wSvkY8tzvEq21kNOjYILXQ

Shweta Rajpal Kohli of Sequoia India on Bridging Innovation and Regulation Sep 08, 2021

Shweta Rajpal Kohli is Chief Public Policy Officer, Sequoia India and Southeast Asia. She advises the fund’s Indian and Southeast Asian portfolio companies on regulatory risks and engages policymakers on matters related to India’s startup ecosystem. Prior to joining Sequoia, Shweta was the head of public policy for India and South Asia at Uber, and then at Salesforce, following a two-decade career as a leading business journalist and TV news anchor. With 2021 projected to see a record of around USD 20 billion invested in Indian startups, Shweta and Rexon discussed the tremendous opportunities in India’s innovation ecosystem, including in the FinTech, EdTech, and enterprise tech sectors. They also weighed the regulatory challenges surrounding data localization and overseas listing for Indian startups, and Shweta offered advice for CEOs of multinational tech companies as they navigate India’s evolving policy environment.

How PichaEats Empowers Kuala Lumpur’s Refugee Community Through Food Aug 22, 2021

PichaEats is a Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia-based social enterprise in the food industry, focused on supporting the city’s large refugee community. PichaEats partners with refugee chefs to cook and package meals based on the chefs’ personal recipes, and sells and delivers those meals to individuals and catered events across the city. On this episode we spoke with Kim Lim, who alongside co-founders Suzanne Ling and Lee Swee Lin transformed PichaEats from a college service project into a self-sustaining business that has delivered more than 350,000 meals and partnered with 35 refugee chefs. Kim shared moving stories about the displaced individuals with whom PichaEats has partnered, and discussed PichaEats’ growth path and strategic vision, the challenges of running a social enterprise through COVID-19, and the status of refugees in Malaysia. She also shared some juicy details about the biryani, lamb-stuffed eggplant, and chicken mandi that have made PichaEats famous.

Anna Fifield on What Drives Kim Jong-un Aug 08, 2021

Anna Fifield was Beijing bureau chief for The Washington Post from 2018 to 2020, before which she covered the Korean Peninsula and Japan as the Post’s Tokyo bureau chief from 2014 to 2018. Anna is the author of The Great Successor: The Divinely Perfect Destiny of Brilliant Comrade Kim Jong Un, and an authority on North Korean society and politics, having visited the country a dozen times to report on the Kim regime. She has also traveled across Asia to interview North Korean defectors, giving her rare insight into the lives of ordinary people in North Korea. Anna now lives in her home country of New Zealand, where she is the editor of the Dominion Post. Anna painted a rare portrait covering the totality of North Korean politics and society, including her analysis of Kim Jong-un’s leadership, North Korea’s nuclear program and the prospects for denuclearization, China’s relationship with the Kim regime, the state of human rights in North Korea and the lives of the North Korean people, and more.

Dr. Evan Medeiros on Biden’s China Strategy Jul 25, 2021

Dr. Evan S. Medeiros is Penner Family Chair in Asian Studies at the Georgetown University School of Foreign Service and a Senior Advisor at The Asia Group. Dr. Medeiros served on the National Security Council for six years under U.S. President Barack Obama, first as Director for China, Taiwan, and Mongolia, and then as President Obama’s top advisor for U.S. policy in Asia. Combining expertise as a scholar of Chinese politics with first-hand experience at the height of U.S. China policy, Evan reflected on several critical issues in U.S.-China relations: U.S. President Joe Biden’s China strategy, Chinese President Xi Jinping’s leadership and rising nationalism in China, balancing interdependence and escalating risks in the bilateral relationship, and the outlook for engagement between U.S. and Chinese leaders.

NBA Asia Chief Scott Levy on Sports Culture in Asia and the Outlook for the Tokyo Olympics Jul 12, 2021

Scott Levy is Managing Director of NBA Asia, where he oversees development and expansion of the National Basketball Association’s strategic initiatives across the Indo-Pacific region – excluding China. With the Tokyo Olympics opening later this month, Scott spoke with Tea Leaves about sports and consumer culture in different Asian markets, the NBA’s response to COVID-19, and the outlook for the Tokyo Olympics. You can access a full video of the conversation at www.youtube.com/channel/UCwSvkY8tzvEq21kNOjYILXQ.

Journalist Natasha Khan on the Hong Kong Protests and the City’s Future Jun 27, 2021

Natasha Khan is a Hong Kong-based reporter at The Wall Street Journal, where she has covered major stories including Hong Kong’s popular protest movement, the emergence of COVID-19 and the city’s response, and major changes to Hong Kong’s political system. On this episode of Tea Leaves, Rexon and Shery spoke with Natasha about her experiences covering the protests, the economic, social, and political changes underway in the city, and how she continues to seek truth amid the crackdown on some media outlets in Hong Kong.

Ashley J. Tellis on India’s Battle Against COVID-19 and the Outlook for U.S.-India Relations Jun 13, 2021

Ashley J. Tellis holds the Tata Chair for Strategic Affairs and is a senior fellow at the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace. Previously, he served on the National Security Council (NSC) as special assistant to President George W. Bush and senior director for strategic planning and Southwest Asia. On the NSC he was a top negotiator of the pivotal 2005 U.S.-India Civil Nuclear Agreement – a landmark agreement that helped transform the U.S.-India relationship. On this episode, Rexon and Shery spoke with Ashley about India’s struggle to control the deadly second wave of COVID-19, Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership and prospects in Indian domestic politics, and India’s “self-reliance” economic policy, protectionism, and actions against large tech companies. On the security front, they discussed opportunities and challenges in U.S.-India relations, the Quad partnership, and India’s relations with China and Russia.

Ambassador Nina Hachigian on the Role of Cities in Foreign Policy May 31, 2021

Ambassador Nina Hachigian is Deputy Mayor for International Affairs for the City of Los Angeles and previously served as U.S. Ambassador to the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) from 2014 to 2017. On this episode, Rexon and Shery spoke with Nina about how cities shape international relations, urban policy and the fight against climate change, and the challenges facing ASEAN amid the Myanmar coup. They also discussed LA’s preparations for the 2028 Summer Olympics and working with Mayor Eric Garcetti on the city’s response to COVID-19.

Admiral Harry Harris on South Korea and U.S. Strategy in the Indo-Pacific May 16, 2021

Admiral Harry Harris served as U.S. Ambassador to South Korea from 2018 to 2021, before which he was a four-star admiral in the U.S. Navy, commanding the U.S. Pacific Fleet and U.S. Indo-Pacific Command (USINDOPACOM). Admiral Harris was also the first American of Japanese descent to lead USINDOPACOM. Ahead of South Korean President Moon Jae-in’s visit to the White House on May 21, Rexon and Shery spoke with Admiral Harris about his expectations for the Moon-Biden summit, U.S. military capabilities and strategic competition with China, and his views on the Quad and other U.S. partnerships in the Indo-Pacific region.

Introducing Tea Leaves 2.0: A Conversation with Rexon Ryu and Shery Ahn Apr 21, 2021

Tea Leaves welcomes our listeners back with two new co-hosts: Rexon Ryu, Managing Partner at The Asia Group, and Shery Ahn, an anchor at Bloomberg Television’s “Daybreak Asia” and “Daybreak Australia.” In this latest iteration of the Tea Leaves Podcast, Rexon and Shery share their personal stories and discuss how their Asian heritage influenced their perspectives and chosen careers in government, journalism, and the private sector. The two also dive into the emerging influence of China throughout the pandemic and how recent events, such as the global semiconductor shortage and China’s post-pandemic economic recovery, are shining the spotlight on key markets and sectors across the Indo-Pacific.

Vasuki Shastry Dec 17, 2020

For all the promise and potential that Asia has to offer for the world, what challenges does the region face? In this latest Tea Leaves discussion, Kurt and Rich sit down with Vasuki Shastry to take a more counterintuitive approach to Asia’s future and examine the region through a more critical lens, touching on social fault lines and wealth disparities that exist in the region today. Using Shastry’s new book – “Has Asia Lost It?” – as a starting point, the three discuss how both developed and developing Asia will be positioned following the coronavirus pandemic. To view the full video of this conversation, please visit https://theasiagroup.com/in-the-news/.

General Dave Goldfein Nov 29, 2020

In this Tea Leaves episode, Kurt is joined by TAG Partner Rexon Ryu to welcome on General Dave Goldfein, recently-retired Chief of Staff of the U.S. Air Force. General Goldfein shares his experiences guiding the 650,000 active-duty, Guard, Reserve, and civilian personnel that make up the U.S. Air Force through the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. The three also discuss the future of the Air Force in Asia, how the Air Force approaches technological innovation, the importance of nuclear deterrence, and concepts of teamwork and leadership in the military. To watch the video of this conversation, please visit: https://theasiagroup.com/in-the-news/

Peter Martin Nov 15, 2020

In this Tea Leaves conversation, Kurt and Rich talk with Peter Martin, defense policy and intelligence reporter at Bloomberg LP and the author of “China’s Civilian Army: The Making of Wolf Warrior Diplomacy.” Peter gives an overview of China’s diplomatic corps and expanding global diplomatic footprint, discusses the roots of “Wolf Warrior Diplomacy,” and describes also the dynamics, strategies, and traditions in Chinese diplomatic history.

Wendy Cutler Nov 01, 2020

What’s next for the United States when it comes to trade? Is it ready, from a domestic politics perspective, to engage more deeply with its Asian partners? Kurt Campbell is joined by TAG Partner Kurt Tong for a conversation on all things trade with Wendy Cutler, Vice President and Managing Director of the Asia Society Policy Institute’s Washington, DC office. Wendy also discusses digital trade and data flows as an increasingly important component of overall trade, as well as the role of multilateral trade organizations in today’s global economy. The three also chat about core trade issues that linger between the United States and China and how they might be addressed in the future. To view the full video of the conversation, please visit: https://theasiagroup.com/in-the-news/

Robert Zoellick Oct 19, 2020

In this Tea Leaves episode, Kurt talks with Robert Zoellick, former president of the World Bank and a distinguished diplomat, about diplomatic history as a tool to educate future policymakers in government. Using Bob’s newly published book: “America in the World: A History of U.S. Diplomacy and Foreign Policy,” the two dive into specific events in U.S. history – including events before the outbreak of World War II – that can be applied to contemporary issues pertaining to trade, security, and the role domestic politics plays in shaping foreign policy. To view the full video of the conversation, please visit: https://theasiagroup.com/in-the-news/

Daniel Yergin Sep 27, 2020

In this Tea Leaves conversation, Kurt and Rich sit down with one of the leading energy policy experts in the world – Dr. Daniel Yergin. The three discuss the significant geopolitical ramifications of U.S. energy independence following the shale gas revolution. Dr. Yergin also discusses the emergence of a mixed global energy system as well as the complexities associated with nuclear power as an energy source in both Asia and the United States. They also talk about the energy demands of China associated with its Belt and Road Initiative and its actions in the South China Sea.

Ben Bland Aug 30, 2020

In this Tea Leaves episode, Kurt and Rich are joined by Ben Bland, Director of the Southeast Asia program at the Lowy Institute. Ben, currently based in Sydney, shares important insights from his new book, “Man of Contradictions: Joko Widodo and the Struggle to Remake Indonesia,” which is the first English-language biography of Indonesian President Joko Widodo. The three roll back the curtain on Indonesia – Southeast Asia’s largest economy – and discuss what’s currently at stake amid the COVID pandemic. To access the full video conversation of the episode, please visit: https://theasiagroup.com/in-the-news/

Larry La of Meiwah Restaurant Aug 09, 2020

On this Tea Leaves episode, Kurt and Rich talk with Larry La, owner of Meiwah Restaurant, a DC favorite frequented by former presidents, diplomats, and global celebrities. Larry shares his experiences as a restauranteur amid the ongoing pandemic, his Vietnamese roots, and his inspiring story as an American immigrant moving to the country in the late 1970s. The full video of this conversation can be found on the news section of The Asia Group’s website: https://theasiagroup.com/in-the-news/.

Ambassador Capricia Marshall Jul 26, 2020

In this Tea Leaves episode, Kurt and Rich talk with Ambassador Capricia Marshall, former U.S. Chief of Protocol. The three discuss the significance of gift-giving at the highest levels of government, Capricia’s experiences in her roles supporting the Clinton administration and Obama administration, and her recently published book, “Protocol: The Power of Diplomacy and How to Make It Work for You.” To watch the full episode of this conversation, please visit: https://theasiagroup.com/in-the-news/

Ambassador Pham Quang Vinh Jul 13, 2020

In this Tea Leaves episode, Rich and Nirav are joined by TAG Ambassador Pham Vinh in Hanoi for an assessment of U.S.-Vietnam ties after 25 years of diplomatic normalization. The three also discuss Ambassador Vinh’s personal experiences growing up in Vietnam and his time as Vietnamese Ambassador to the United States. To access the video of the conversation with Ambassador Vinh, please visit: https://theasiagroup.com/tea-leaves-podcast-ambassador-pham-quang-vinh/

Chris Brose Jun 28, 2020

In this Tea Leaves episode, Kurt and Rich talk with Chris Brose from Anduril Industries to talk about the future of U.S. military power in Asia and Chris' new book, "The Kill Chain." The three also discuss Chris' time working as staff director of the Senate Armed Services Committee and his personal experiences working with the late U.S. Senator John McCain. The video of this conversation can be accessed here: https://theasiagroup.com/in-the-news/

Dr. Anthony Fauci Jun 17, 2020

Dr. Anthony Fauci joins Kurt and Rich in this latest Tea Leaves episode to talk about the COVID-19 situation in the United States and prospects for a second wave. The three also discuss Dr. Fauci’s extensive research on HIV/AIDS and how it has helped him in his experiences addressing COVID-19. Dr. Fauci also shares some of his experiences with dealing with the pandemic on a personal level and offers guidance for individuals as we look to the months ahead. The full video of Kurt and Rich’s conversation with Dr. Fauci can be found at: https://theasiagroup.com/tea-leaves-podcast-dr-anthony-fauci/

Fred Hochberg Jun 08, 2020

In this Tea Leaves episode, Kurt and Rich chat with Fred Hochberg, former Chairman of the U.S. Export-Import Bank (EXIM) about how the historical underpinnings of tariffs, the role of the EXIM Bank and how it will play a more significant role in the post-COVID environment, and the role of U.S. international economic policy. The three also talk about Washington’s trade policies in the context of the U.S. service economy. To access the full video of the conversation, please visit: https://theasiagroup.com/tea-leaves-podcast-fred-hochberg/

Tanvi Madan May 26, 2020

In this Tea Leaves episode, Rich talks with Tanvi Madan from Brookings Institute about the roots of India’s complex relationship with China and its role in shaping U.S.-India relations during the Cold War. Tanvi and Rich also talk about the implications of China-Russia and China-Pakistan defense relations on Indian foreign policy and Indian perceptions of U.S. reliability and the renewed rise in U.S.-China tensions. To access the video of the full conversation, please visit: https://theasiagroup.com/tea-leaves-podcast-tanvi-madan/

Kurt and Rich: A Kickoff Conversation May 10, 2020

In the first of a series of Tea Leaves’ remote recording sessions as The Asia Group practices social distancing, Kurt and Rich discuss the latest on the coronavirus outbreak. Kurt shares some of his thoughts on how COVID-19 could be a “Suez Moment” for U.S. leadership on the world stage, while Rich assesses Washington’s economic and political response to the crisis and shares his thoughts on India’s response to date.

Tom Nides Mar 08, 2020

In this Tea Leaves episode, Kurt sits down with Tom Nides, a Managing Partner and Vice Chairman of Morgan Stanley and former U.S. Deputy Secretary of State for Management and Resources. Kurt and Tom discuss the latest on the coronavirus outbreak, long-term prospects for foreign investment banks and other financial institutions in the Indo-Pacific, and Tom’s deep experience in both the private sector and in the U.S. government.

Jean Lee Feb 17, 2020

In 2012, Jean Lee opened the AP’s bureau in Pyongyang – becoming the first international news organization with a full-time presence North Korea in words, pictures, and video. In this latest Tea Leaves episode, Jean sits down with Kurt and The Asia Group Senior Advisor Ambassador Joe Yun. The three discuss Jean’s number of years living in North Korea and the unique on-the-ground insights that she gained on North Korean politics, culture, and society.

Joseph Nye Feb 02, 2020

In this Tea Leaves episode, Kurt chats with Dr. Joseph Nye, one of the leading thinkers on U.S. foreign policy and grand strategy, about morality and leadership in foreign affairs and the state of the Indo-Pacific. The two also examine the evolution of the U.S.-China-Japan relationship since the Clinton era and how the United States should approach China.

John Richardson Jan 20, 2020

Kurt and Rich sit down with former Chief of Naval Operations (CNO) Admiral John Richardson on this Tea Leaves episode. Admiral Richardson shares what it was like being CNO, his thoughts on military discipline and learning from mistakes, and the state of the Navy today. The three also discuss the Pentagon’s reaction to recent events in the Middle East and in Iran, as well as how the United States’ naval capabilities compare with China’s.

Challenges and Opportunities for India in the Indo-Pacific Jan 05, 2020

In this Tea Leaves episode, Kurt sits down with leading South Asia foreign policy and defense experts Ashley Tellis, Admiral John Richardson, and Alyssa Ayres in a discussion at the Atlantic Council to discuss the U.S.-India relationship and India’s future role in the region amid a rising China.

60 Years Later: Commemorating U.S. President Eisenhower’s Historic Trip to India Dec 23, 2019

"He was the most famous, and arguably the most beloved man in the world in the decade of the 1950s. And yet he always found a way to say, 'your work is more important than what I’m doing.'” Sixty years ago, on December 11, 1959, U.S. President Dwight Eisenhower during his historic visit to India gave a speech that makes reference to the world in 2019. This Tea Leaves episode covers a panel discussion commemorating that moment in history, co-hosted by The Asia Group at the Atlantic Council between Rich, Susan Eisenhower, president of the Eisenhower Group and President Eisenhower’s granddaughter, and Dr. Will Hitchcock, professor at the University of Virginia’s Department of History. The discussion reflects on the legacy President Eisenhower left on U.S. foreign policy and his role as a statesman, grandfather, and American. A link with audio of President Eisenhower’s speech set to footage of his historic visit in India is here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vLMnfKqYd6s&feature=youtu.be

Piper Stover Dec 01, 2019

Piper Stover, CEO and co-founder of BINC Technologies, sits down with Kurt and Rich in this latest Tea Leaves episode. The three discuss U.S.-China technological competition, domestic Chinese political sentiment, and Piper’s extensive career in the tech space in both China and the United States.

Amy Searight Nov 18, 2019

Amy Searight, Senior Advisor and Director of the Southeast Asia Program at the Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS), joins Kurt and Rich on this latest episode of Tea Leaves. Amy shares her observations about the geopolitical and macroeconomic dynamics that are animating the Southeast Asia region today. The three also discuss Southeast Asia’s evolving perceptions of Trump’s leadership, the future of ASEAN, and U.S. messaging to its strategic partners in the Pacific Islands region. Amy also shares her experiences serving as a woman in the national security field.

John Chambers (Re-Post) Nov 04, 2019

Originally aired on September 3, 2018.As chairman and CEO of Cisco, John Chambers guided the company to $47 billion in revenue and developed a reputation as one of the tech industry’s most successful and impressive leaders. In this episode, Rich joins Chambers in the heart of Silicon Valley to discuss Chambers’ upbringing in West Virginia and how he worked his way to become a tech titan. The two tackle questions related to how technology can transform communities and ways that countries can capitalize on the newest tech trends. Chambers also emphasizes the growing importance of the Indo-Pacific and how India, in particular, has prepared itself to benefit from emerging technology.

John Gans Oct 20, 2019

In this Tea Leaves episode, Kurt and Rich sit down with John Gans, Director of Communications and Research for Perry World House and former chief speechwriter to Secretary of Defense Ash Carter at the Pentagon. Kurt and Rich chat with John about his new book, “White House Warriors: How the National Security Council Transformed the American Way of War” and dive into the inner workings of the National Security Council (NSC).

Kurt Tong Oct 06, 2019

In this Tea Leaves episode, Kurt and Rich speak with the Asia Group Partner and U.S. Ambassador (ret.) Kurt Tong about his recent post as U.S. Consul General for Hong Kong and Macau. Kurt shares his thoughts on some of the forces behind the Hong Kong protests and helps untangle the city’s complex political and cultural dynamics.

Michael Fullilove Sep 24, 2019

In this episode of Tea Leaves, Kurt and Rich sit down with Dr. Michael Fullilove, Executive Director of the Lowy Institute, Australia’s leading think tank based in Sydney. Michael, a renowned expert on Australian foreign policy, discusses Australia’s complicated relationship with China, Australian domestic politics, and how Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison can establish a solid relationship with U.S. President Donald Trump while advancing Australia’s foreign policy interests.

Inside the Amelia Earhart Story Sep 08, 2019

In this episode of Tea Leaves, Kurt and Rich discuss the great unsolved mystery of the Pacific – the disappearance of famed explorer and aviator Amelia Earhart. Kurt also shares his involvement in the search for Amelia Earhart’s Lockheed Electra plane as well as the mission that is currently underway on Nikumaroro Island.

Julianne Smith Aug 26, 2019

In this episode of Tea Leaves, Kurt and Rich are joined by Julianne (“Julie”) Smith, an expert on transatlantic issues and adjunct senior fellow at the Center for a New American Security (CNAS). The three discuss Julie’s experiences in the national security field as a woman, the complexities of Europe’s multifaceted relationship with Beijing, and the European perspective towards the Trump administration.

Jake Sullivan Pt. 2 Aug 11, 2019

In this episode of Tea Leaves, Kurt and Rich continue the discussion with Jake Sullivan about U.S.-China strategic competition and where it’s headed, Jake’s travels with Secretary Clinton, his take on the 2016 campaign, and the Democratic Party moving forward.

Jake Sullivan Pt. 1 Jul 28, 2019

In this first portion of a two-part Tea Leaves conversation, Kurt and Rich sit down with Jake Sullivan, former National Security Advisory to Vice President Joe Biden and former Policy Planning Director at the State Department. The three discuss Jake’s views on what a modern Democratic foreign policy strategy looks like, his involvement in the Iran nuclear deal, and his career beginnings.

Kelly Magsamen Jun 30, 2019

In this episode of Tea Leaves, Kurt and Rich sit down with Kelly Magsamen, the Vice President for National Security and International Policy at the Center for American Progress. The three discuss Kelly’s early interest in national security, her experience in the Pentagon and the National Security Council, and her work at the Center for American Progress.

Ashley Tellis Jun 16, 2019

In this episode of Tea Leaves, Kurt and Rich sit down with Ashley Tellis, the Tata Chair for Strategic Affairs and a senior adviser at the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace and former senior adviser to the ambassador at the U.S.

Mike Mullen Jun 02, 2019

In this latest episode of Tea Leaves, Kurt and Rich sit down with Admiral Mike Mullen (ret.) to hear about the Admiral’s experiences in the military and his role as 17th Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff.

Ali Wyne May 20, 2019

As part of Tea Leaves’ mission to highlight rising young voices, Kurt sits down with Ali Wyne, a policy analyst at the RAND Corporation, for a conversation about U.S.-China relations and America’s role in the world.

Ben Rhodes May 06, 2019

Ben Rhodes, the former deputy national security advisor for President Barack Obama, joins Kurt and Rich to discuss the challenges facing the United States in Asia. Ben shares insights from his experience planning President Obama’s foreign trips and cha...

Michael Morell Apr 23, 2019

Michael Morell, the former acting director of the Central Intelligence Agency, joins Kurt and Rich to discuss China, Pakistan, and the role of the U.S. intelligence community. Morell shares experiences from more than 30 years working at the CIA and ins...

Asia Power Trends with Siddharth Mohandas Apr 08, 2019

In this special episode of Tea Leaves, Kurt and Rich sit down with Dr. Siddharth Mohandas, The Asia Group’s director of research, to discuss the firm’s groundbreaking Asia Power Trends report. The three talk about the changing role of the United States...

Bill Burns Pt. 2 Mar 25, 2019

In this second episode in our two part series, Kurt and Rich continue their conversation with former U.S. Deputy Secretary of State Bill Burns. Together they discuss Burns’ new book, The Back Channel: A Memoir of American Diplomacy and the Case for Its...

Bill Burns Pt. 1 Mar 12, 2019

In this first episode in a two part series, Kurt and Rich sit down with former U.S. Deputy Secretary of State Bill Burns to discuss the changing role of U.S. diplomacy, Burns’ newest book, The Back Channel: A Memoir of American Diplomacy and the Case f...

C. Raja Mohan Feb 24, 2019

In this latest episode of Tea Leaves, Rich sits down with C. Raja Mohan in Singapore to discuss shifting dynamics between the United States and India and the changing geopolitical balance as China looms ever larger in the international scene.

Mike McDevitt Feb 10, 2019

In this episode, Kurt and Rich welcome U.S. Navy Rear Admiral Mike McDevitt (ret.) to the Tea Leaves studio to chat about his experiences serving in the U.S. Navy and his career focus on U.S. defense and security strategy in the Asia-Pacific.

Kristin Lord and Tina Sciabica Jan 27, 2019

Kurt and Rich welcome Kristin Lord, the president and CEO of IREX, and Tina Sciabica, the executive director of READ Global, to the Tea Leaves studio. As leaders of two prominent non-profits with operations around the world,

Evan Medeiros Pt. 2 Jan 13, 2019

Evan Medeiros, the former senior director for Asia at the National Security Council, returns to the studio to commemorate the 40th anniversary of the bilateral relationship between the United States and the People’s Republic of China.

Evan Medeiros Pt. 1 Jan 01, 2019

Evan Medeiros, the former senior director for Asia at President Barack Obama’s National Security Council, joins Kurt and Rich for a special New Year’s Day episode commemorating the 40th anniversary of the bilateral relationship between the United State...

Sam Vinograd Dec 04, 2018

CNN analyst Sam Vinograd, the former senior advisor to White House national security Tom Donilon, joins Kurt and Rich for a conversation about her career in foreign policy and her views on U.S. policy in Asia.

Kishore Mahbubani Nov 25, 2018

Kishore Mahbubani, a professor at the Lee Kuan Yew School of Public Policy and Singapore’s former permanent representative to the United Nations, joins Kurt and Rich for a conversation about Asia’s role in the international order. Mahbubani,

Elizabeth Economy Nov 12, 2018

Dr. Elizabeth Economy, the C. V. Starr senior fellow and director for Asia studies at the Council on Foreign Relations, joins Kurt for a conversation about her career and the way that Chinese domestic politics is shaping the country’s approach to its i...

Tom Donilon Oct 28, 2018

Former White House national security advisor Tom Donilon joins Kurt and Rich to discuss his experience serving as one of President Barack Obama’s closest advisors and the current challenges facing the United States.

Jim Sciutto Oct 14, 2018

As a journalist, CNN correspondent and anchor Jim Sciutto has travelled throughout Asia reporting on crises and geopolitical developments that have tested world leaders. He joins Rich for a discussion about his life as correspondent both at home in Was...

Suhasini Haidar & Indrani Bagchi Sep 30, 2018

Suhasini Haidar and Indrani Bagchi are two of India’s most prominent journalists writing about Indian foreign policy. Recording from New Delhi, Rich turns the table on Haidar, the diplomatic affairs editor of The Hindu, and Bagchi,

Andrew Shearer Sep 17, 2018

Having served as the national security advisor to two Australian prime ministers, Andrew Shearer brings his unique perspective to the Tea Leaves set, where he joins Kurt for a conversation about Australia and its role in the region and world.

John Chambers Sep 03, 2018

As chairman and CEO of Cisco, John Chambers guided the company to $47 billion in revenue and developed a reputation as one of the tech industry’s most successful and impressive leaders. In this episode, Rich joins Chambers in the heart of Silicon Valle...

Ashok Bajaj Aug 20, 2018

Restauranteur Ashok Bajaj has built an empire in Washington, D.C. with multiple award-winning restaurants, including The Oval Room, Rasika, Bibiana, Bindaas, 701, and Sababa. In this episode, Kurt and Rich sit down with Bajaj at The Oval Room to discus...

Dr. Kurt Campbell and Ambassador Rich Verma Aug 05, 2018

The Asia Group’s own Dr. Kurt Campbell and Ambassador Rich Verma sit down for a one-on-one conversation to discuss current affairs in the Indo-Pacific and United States. During the episode, they share stories about their recent travels,

Joseph Yun Jul 22, 2018

Joseph Yun had an accomplished career as a U.S. diplomat, serving in multiple posts from Hong Kong to Paris to Bangkok before becoming U.S. ambassador to Malaysia in 2013. He then went on to serve as the U.S.

Robert Roche Jul 15, 2018

After growing up in Oak Lawn, Illinois, Robert Roche went on to build successful businesses in Japan and China. Roche is known for his strategic investments and business acumen across the Indo-Pacific region.

Michael McFaul Jul 08, 2018

In this episode of the podcast, Rich sits down in Palo Alto with Stanford Professor Michael McFaul, the former U.S. ambassador to Russia, to discuss his new book on U.S.-Russia relations, From Cold War to Hot Peace: An American Ambassador in Putin’s Ru...

Amitabh Bachchan Jun 23, 2018

Rich sits down in Mumbai with one of India’s biggest stars, Amitabh Bachchan, to discuss Indian cinema and the actor’s legendary career. Bachchan, who began acting in 1969 and has since continued to maintain A-list status,

Kevin Rudd Jun 11, 2018

Former Australian Prime Minister Kevin Rudd – who is also the current President of the Asia Society Policy Institute – sits down with Kurt and Rich to discuss his distinguished career in Australian politics,

Robert Kaplan May 27, 2018

Kurt and Rich sit down with famed foreign correspondent and author Robert Kaplan to discuss great power rivalries in Asia – particularly between the United States and China. Elaborating ideas that he has explored over the past two decades and in his la...

Alyssa Ayres May 14, 2018

Dr. Alyssa Ayres first arrived in India in 1990 when the country’s political and economic future appeared uncertain – since then, she has closely followed Delhi’s growing confidence on the world’s stage and the international community’s expanding inter...

Ambassador Navtej Sarna Apr 30, 2018

From a demographic, economic, and geopolitical outlook, it is difficult to estimate the full impact that India will have on the coming century. Likewise, efforts to advance shared interests in not just the Indo-Pacific region,

Ash Carter Apr 15, 2018

Tea Leaves traveled to Boston this week to meet with Ash Carter, former Secretary of Defense and Director of the Belfer Center for Science and International Affairs at the Harvard Kennedy School of Government.

Mike Green Apr 01, 2018

In this episode, Kurt and Rich meet with leading Japan scholar, author, and former NSC Senior Director for Asia Michael Green to discuss his career path, the United States’ long history of engagement with Asia, developments around North Korea,

David Ignatius Mar 18, 2018

In this episode, Kurt and Rich meet with veteran journalist and author David Ignatius to discuss U.S. influence in the world, the role of journalism in the age of information, and how to pen spy novels. David’s long engagement with global affairs – one...

Dr. Kurt M. Campbell and Ambassador Rich Verma Dec 31, 2017

The Indo-Pacific region is the most dynamic and consequential part of the world – and will only grow in importance as the 21st Century progresses. By every measure, the individuals, institutions, ideas, and economies of the Indo-Pacific are changing ou...

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