The changing geopolitical landscape, new tensions between nations, and the midterm elections undeniably signal that the American people want to see a government that reflects the diversity of our nation and a national leadership that brings together different perspectives to address America’s emerging national security and foreign policy challenges.
The Asian American Pacific Islander (AAPI) community is abundant with leadership in defense, diplomacy, and international development. This leadership has been demonstrated in the last century through the awarding of a Medal of Freedom to Florence Finch, the first Asian-American U.S Coast Guard Women’s Reserve member, in 1947; to the appointment of the first Muslim-American ambassador, Bangladesh-born M. Osman Siddique in 1999; to more recent contributions from the first Asian-American administrator for USAID, Rajiv Shah (2010), and Tammy Duckworth, the first Asian-American woman and first female disabled veteran to be elected to Congress and serve on the U.S. House of Representatives Armed Services Committee (2013). Their contributions highlight that there has been no shortage of important contributions from this talent-rich and diverse community.
The Diversity in National Security Network and New America take great pleasure in recognizing the caliber of talent available within the AAPI community and elevating the next generation of voices in the national security conversation. We are pleased to honor the contributions of 40 Asian-American and Pacific Islander rising-star professionals in U.S. national security and foreign policy. The list features experts currently serving in government, think tanks, academia, non-governmental organizations, the private sector, and the media. Selection is based on career excellence and leadership, current work in national security or foreign policy, contributions to their issues of expertise through thought leadership, and demonstrated service to their communities.
This list is part of a series highlighting the need for diverse voices in national security and foreign policy. We encourage you to read “Bringing More Diversity to the National Security Arena” and the first list in this series Black American National Security & Foreign Policy Next Generation Leaders after you learn about this year’s AAPI National Security & Foreign Policy Next Generation Leaders.
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