WASHINGTON, August 29, 2017 - Jeff M. Smith – an expert on South Asia security issues – has assumed a new post at The Heritage Foundation. Yesterday, Smith began serving as research fellow in the think tank’s highly-regarded Asian Studies Center (ASC).
"Over the last few decades, the U.S.-India relationship has emerged as a central component of American foreign policy – in South Asia and the Indian Ocean region as well as the western Pacific. We are very pleased to have an analyst of Jeff’s caliber on board to lead our work on it,” said Walter Lohman, director of the ASC.
Most recently, Smith was the director of Asian Security Programs and the Kraemer Strategy Fellow at the American Foreign Policy Council (AFPC). In that capacity, he was responsible for the conservative think tank’s work across a wide range of Asia-related security issues. “Through frequent trips to the region and regular opportunities to offer policy guidance to Congress and the Executive Branch, AFPC offered invaluable experience preparing me for this new role. I have long been an admirer of the high standards and exceptional work The Heritage Foundation and its Asia team have grown famous for,” said Smith. “At a time when America faces incredible new challenges and opportunities in South Asia, I am eager to get to work and honor the Heritage legacy.”
Smith has testified before multiple congressional committees and is a prolific author. His commentary has been featured in publications ranging from the New York Times to the Wall Street Journal. He is the author of Cold Peace: Sino-Indian Rivalry in the 21st Century (Lexington Books, 2014,) and has just completed work on a new book entitled Asia’s Quest for Balance: China’s Rise and Balancing in the Indo-Pacific, which is scheduled to be published by Rowman and Littlefield in December 2017.
Heritage President, and Chairman of the ASC’s Advisory Council, Edwin J. Feulner said of Smith’s hiring, “Long ago, Heritage recognized the importance that Asia holds for America’s future. That’s why back in 1983, we established the ASC. With his research skills and insights, I am confident Jeff is going to do that legacy proud.”
Smith holds a masters degree in Public and International Affairs from the University of Pittsburgh with a concentration in Security and Intelligence Studies.
