Paul Kapur education and career path: Indian-origin PhD from Chicago joins Trump administration
S. Paul Kapur has been confirmed as the US Assistant Secretary of State for South and Central Asian Affairs, stepping into a role that places him at the forefront of American diplomacy in a region of growing strategic importance. His journey to this pivotal position is a story of rigorous scholarship, cross-cultural experience, and a career shaped by both academic research and real-world policy work.
Early life and education
Born in New Delhi to an Indian father and American mother, Kapur grew up with a unique perspective on global affairs. This bicultural upbringing laid the foundation for his deep understanding of South Asia’s complex political landscape. He pursued his bachelor’s degree at Amherst College, known for fostering critical thinking and analytical skills. Driven by a passion for international relations, he then earned a PhD from the University of Chicago, where he honed his expertise in security studies and foreign policy analysis.
Academic and scholarly pursuits
Kapur’s academic career is a testament to the power of research-informed policy. He is a professor at the US Naval Postgraduate School, teaching courses on security strategy, nuclear deterrence, and regional geopolitics. In addition, as a visiting fellow at Stanford University’s Hoover Institution, he contributes to high-level policy discussions, bridging the worlds of scholarship and government decision-making.A prolific author, Kapur has penned influential books such as Jihad as Grand Strategy: Islamist Militancy, National Security, and the Pakistani State and Dangerous Deterrent: Nuclear Weapons Proliferation and Conflict in South Asia. He has also co-authored India, Pakistan, and the Bomb: Debating Nuclear Stability in South Asia and co-edited The Challenges of Nuclear Security: US and Indian Perspectives (2024). His research often underscores Pakistan’s use of jihadist groups as a deliberate state policy, reflecting his nuanced approach to regional security.
Career in policy and diplomacy
Before his latest appointment, Kapur gained hands-on experience in government as part of the State Department’s Policy Planning Staff during the earlier Trump administration. There, he focused on Indo-Pacific strategy and US-India relations, blending academic insight with actionable policy guidance. His work has consistently emphasised practical, research-driven solutions to complex security challenges, earning him recognition as a trusted voice in both Washington and international academic circles.
Bridging scholarship and diplomacy
Kapur’s confirmation comes at a crucial time for the US, as engagement with South and Central Asia grows more complex amid regional tensions and shifting geopolitical alliances. In his new role, he will guide diplomatic relations with India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Afghanistan, and other nations in the region, shaping policies on nuclear stability, counterterrorism, and broader security cooperation.From New Delhi to Chicago, from academia to the corridors of the State Department, S. Paul Kapur’s journey reflects a seamless blending of knowledge, strategy, and diplomacy. His path demonstrates how deep scholarship can inform real-world policy, making him a key figure in steering US engagement in one of the world’s most challenging and strategically important regions.
