

Bilahari Kausikan
Veteran Singapore diplomat and commentator who served as Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and ambassador to multiple posts; author of The Myth of the Asian Century and the paper discussed in this episode.
Top 3 podcasts with Bilahari Kausikan
Ranked by the Snipd community

33 snips
Jan 16, 2025 • 51min
How Will the World Navigate Trump’s Return?
Malcolm Turnbull, former Prime Minister of Australia, shares his firsthand experiences with Trump’s first term and offers strategies for effective diplomacy. Bilahari Kausikan, a seasoned diplomat from Singapore, provides an Asian perspective on the implications of Trump’s return for regional dynamics. They discuss the complexities of U.S.-China relations, the risks posed by a second Trump administration, and the challenges that global leaders face in navigating Trump’s transactional foreign policy. Insights abound on managing alliances amid shifting power balances.

8 snips
Oct 15, 2025 • 36min
Event: The Myth of the Asian Century
Bilahari Kausikan, a veteran Singapore diplomat and author, discusses his insights from 'The Myth of the Asian Century'. He argues that this narrative oversimplifies Asia's complexities and masks critical thinking. Kausikan explores China's tactical appropriation of the Asian story for influence, the ongoing relevance of the U.S. in the region, and the nature of competition between these powers. He also highlights how nationalism in Southeast Asia may prevent any single nation's dominance, ensuring a balanced regional dynamic.

Sep 19, 2023 • 35min
Accidents and Agency with Bilahari Kausikan
Bilahari Kausikan, a veteran diplomat with 37 years in Singapore's Foreign Affairs, dives deep into the current state of global diplomacy. He discusses why he maintains a sense of hope amid global chaos and explores the challenges China faces under Xi Jinping. Kausikan emphasizes the agency small nations can leverage on the world stage, sharing insights into Singapore's diplomatic strategies and the complexities of BRICS dynamics. His experiences reveal how clarity in communication can transform international relations.


