The Tea Leaves Podcast

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.

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/

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/

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.

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/

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/.

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/

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/

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 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/