Wilson Center Launches Indo-Pacific Program

WASHINGTON–The Woodrow Wilson International Center for Scholars is launching the Indo-Pacific Program, previously the Asia Program, to refocus its scholarship and programming around the world’s most populous and economically critical region. 

Wednesday’s announcement will include two panel discussions on US strategic interests in the region and how to mitigate risks while exploring opportunities to collaborate with like-minded partners. Senator Bill Hagerty (R-TN) and Ambassador Matt Murray, US Senior Official for Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation, will be among the featured speakers.

"With a new name and focus, the Wilson Center's work will more accurately reflect today's geopolitical reality that the Indo-Pacific is increasingly vital to US interests," said Wilson Center President and CEO Ambassador Mark A. Green. 

Founded in 1977 as the Asia Program, the Indo-Pacific Program underscores the Wilson Center's commitment to advancing US military, diplomatic, and economic interests in this dynamic region. Emphasizing the importance of alliances and partnerships, the Program will focus on four core themes:

• Economic interests and partnerships for sustained growth;
• Governance and advancement of a rules-based order;
• Security and networks for regional stability; and
• The rising role of middle powers in shaping the global order.

Shihoko Goto has served as Asia Program director since December of 2023 and will continue to oversee the newly refocused Indo-Pacific Program.

“Through rigorous research, analysis, and dialogue, the Indo-Pacific Program seeks to contribute to a deeper understanding of the region's complexities while promoting policies that support stability, prosperity, and cooperation,” Goto said. “We also hope to foster dialogue on the future of US engagement in the Indo-Pacific, and the role of allies and partners in shaping regional dynamics.”

Notes to editors:

1. The Wilson Center provides a strictly nonpartisan space for the worlds of policymaking and scholarship to interact. By conducting relevant and timely research and promoting dialogue from all perspectives, it works to address the critical current and emerging challenges confronting the United States and the world. 

    

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