The Council on Foreign Relations (CFR), one of the leading organizations dedicated to international policy research and analysis, has announced the appointment of Sadanand Dhume as a senior fellow specializing in India, Pakistan, and broader South Asian affairs. He will join the institution’s David Rockefeller Studies Program, a division known for producing in-depth research on major global political and economic issues.
In his new position, Dhume will focus on examining the political economy, governance trends, and foreign policy developments shaping South Asia. His research is expected to provide valuable insights into a region that continues to play an increasingly significant role in global diplomacy, economic growth, and geopolitical strategy.
Welcoming the appointment, CFR Senior Vice President Shannon K. O’Neil highlighted Dhume’s extensive experience and unique perspective. She noted that his background as both a journalist and policy scholar offers a strong foundation for understanding the complex dynamics of South Asia. According to O’Neil, his expertise will contribute meaningfully to CFR’s efforts to analyze regional developments and their broader implications for U.S. foreign policy.
Dhume is widely regarded as a respected voice on South Asian affairs. He currently writes “East Is East,” a biweekly column published by The Wall Street Journal, where he explores political developments, economic trends, and international relations across the region. His commentary has earned recognition for providing nuanced analysis of some of South Asia’s most pressing issues.
Before joining CFR, Dhume served as a senior fellow at the American Enterprise Institute, where he contributed research and commentary on international affairs. His professional career also includes extensive experience in journalism. He worked as a foreign correspondent for both the Far Eastern Economic Review and The Wall Street Journal Asia, reporting from India and Indonesia on a wide range of political, economic, and social developments.
The appointment adds a seasoned analyst with decades of firsthand regional experience to CFR’s roster of scholars. His blend of academic training, field reporting, and policy research positions him to offer a comprehensive perspective on the opportunities and challenges facing South Asia.
Dhume’s educational background further reflects his diverse expertise. He earned a bachelor’s degree in sociology from the University of Delhi, followed by a master’s degree in journalism from Columbia Journalism School. He later completed a master’s degree in public affairs at Princeton’s School of Public and International Affairs, equipping him with a strong interdisciplinary foundation for his work in policy and international relations.
