How I Got My Career in Foreign Policy: Sadanand Dhume
Sadanand Dhume has both sprinted as a foreign correspondent and endured the marathon of writing two books. The new senior fellow for India, Pakistan, and South Asia sat down with CFR to share insights from his experiences covering the economy, extremism, and international relations in both South and Southeast Asia.
Source: Council on Foreign Relations · August 13, 2026 at 10:35 AM · AI-assisted report
WASHINGTON, 13 AUGUST 2026 —
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**Malaysian Journalist Shares Path to Foreign Policy Career in Exclusive Interview**
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KUALA LUMPUR – Sadanand Dhume, a senior fellow at the Council on Foreign Relations (CFR) specialising in India, Pakistan, and South Asia, has built a career spanning foreign correspondence, newspaper column writing, and book authorship. In an interview with CFR, Dhume shared insights into his professional evolution, offering advice for aspiring journalists and foreign policy analysts.
Dhume’s career began with a focus on journalism, having studied sociology at Delhi University, journalism at Columbia University, and international relations at Princeton University. His academic background shaped his approach to foreign policy writing, with Columbia emphasising brevity and clarity, while Princeton instilled an appreciation for the complexity of global issues such as economic development and religious extremism.
Early in his career, Dhume worked for the now-defunct *Far Eastern Economic Review* (FEER), a publication renowned for its in-depth coverage of Asia’s economics, politics, and foreign policies. As FEER’s India bureau chief, he covered a wide range of topics, including power-sector reforms in Odisha, a state often overlooked by international media. This experience allowed him to explore niche subjects without the constraints of click-driven journalism, a rarity in today’s media landscape.
Dhume transitioned from journalism to think-tank analysis, a shift that began with the publication of his book *My Friend the Fanatic*, which examined the rise of radical Islam in Indonesia following the 2002 Bali bombings. The book marked a departure from his journalistic roots, requiring a shift from concise, immediate writing to a more expansive, research-driven style.
Dhume noted that while journalism provided a platform to test ideas and engage with audiences, writing a book demanded a fundamentally different approach, with longer-form research and delayed gratification.
His career further evolved when he began writing a biweekly column for *The Wall Street Journal*’s Asian edition, which later expanded to the U.S. edition. This role bridged his journalistic and analytical work, bringing his insights on India and South Asia to a broader American audience. In 2010, he joined the American Enterprise Institute (AEI) in Washington, D.C., reflecting the growing U.S. interest in India during the country’s economic boom.
Dhume’s current role at CFR continues his focus on South Asia, where he analyses geopolitical and economic trends. His work highlights the interplay between journalism, research, and policy analysis—a trajectory that offers lessons for those seeking to enter foreign policy or international relations.
**Malaysia’s Media and Policy Circles Take Note** For Malaysian journalists and analysts, Dhume’s career path underscores the value of interdisciplinary education and adaptability in a rapidly changing media landscape. His emphasis on cultivating curiosity and language skills resonates in a region where economic and political dynamics are increasingly interconnected.
The shift from journalism to think-tank research also reflects a broader trend in Malaysia, where media professionals often transition into policy roles, particularly in areas like trade, security, and regional integration. Dhume’s experience with *FEER*, a publication that once covered Southeast Asia extensively, highlights the importance of in-depth regional reporting—a niche that remains relevant despite the decline of print media.
**Sector and Company Insights** Dhume’s career spans key institutions in foreign policy and journalism, including CFR, AEI, *The Wall Street Journal*, and *FEER*. His transition from media to think tanks mirrors the growing demand for policy expertise in both public and private sectors. For Malaysian institutions, his trajectory offers a model for bridging academic research, media, and policy analysis.
**Outlook for Aspiring Foreign Policy Professionals** Dhume’s advice for those entering the field centres on curiosity, language proficiency, and resilience. His career demonstrates that success in foreign policy requires not just formal education but also hands-on experience in reporting, research, and analysis. As Malaysia deepens its engagement with South and Southeast Asia, professionals with Dhume’s blend of skills will be well-positioned to contribute to policy debates and media discourse.
Details on Dhume’s current projects or upcoming publications were not available at the time of reporting.
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