Kishore Mahbubani

Kishore Mahbubani, a distinguished diplomat and author, shares his inspiring journey from childhood poverty in Singapore to becoming a major diplomatic figure. He discusses the profound influence of his mother and the cultural ties between India and Southeast Asia. Mahbubani reflects on his experiences at the UN, the principles behind Singapore’s success, and his interactions with the influential Lee Kuan Yew. The conversation delves into Asia's cultural renaissance and its implications for the global order, emphasizing the region's rising importance in the 21st century.

Join Nathalie Tocci, an Italian think tank director, Kishore Mahbubani, a former Singaporean diplomat, and Ed Luce, a Financial Times columnist, as they dissect the international fallout from Donald Trump's second-term proposals. They explore how his protectionist policies are reshaping alliances, the erosion of American soft power, and the shifts towards a more transactional diplomatic approach. The trio also delves into the implications of U.S. foreign aid strategies and the need for a recalibrated response to the emerging multipolar world.

In this engaging conversation, Kishore Mahbubani, an author and seasoned diplomat, discusses how the West can adapt to Asia's rising influence. He shares a compelling personal story of his journey from poverty in colonial Singapore to a prominent global voice. Mahbubani outlines a three-part strategy for Western nations—emphasizing minimal intervention, multilateral cooperation, and a Machiavellian approach to international relations. He highlights the importance of cultural exchanges and economic strategies for fostering mutual understanding in the evolving global landscape.