Washington's Asia Experts Shift from Think Tanks to Private Power Firms

Washington's Asia policy experts are increasingly abandoning traditional think tanks and government roles for positions in private strategic advisory firms, marking a significant shift in how U.S. foreign policy expertise is deployed and monetized.

This trend gained momentum following the Biden administration, as former officials discovered that private sector strategic advisories offer not just higher compensation but also faster decision-making processes and more direct influence over corporate and government strategies in the Indo-Pacific region.

The Asia Group's Latest Hire Signals Industry Growth

The Asia Group (TAG), a prominent U.S. strategic advisory firm, recently announced the addition of Japan trade expert David Boling to its Tokyo-based team. This move exemplifies the broader pattern of experienced Asia hands transitioning from public service to private sector roles where their expertise commands premium value.

The firm's expansion in Tokyo underscores the growing demand for specialized knowledge about Asian markets, particularly as geopolitical tensions and economic competition intensify between the United States and China.

Why the Exodus from Traditional Institutions?

Former National Security Council senior director for East Asia and Oceania Mira Rapp-Hooper, who participated in the Mount Fuji Dialogue in Tokyo on October 25, represents the caliber of expertise now flowing into private advisory roles. These professionals cite several compelling reasons for the shift:

Speed of Impact: Private firms can implement recommendations and see results within months rather than the years often required for policy changes in government or academic institutions.

Broader Scope: Strategic advisors work across multiple sectors simultaneously, from defense contracting to technology partnerships, providing a more comprehensive view of regional dynamics.

Financial Incentives: While public service offers prestige and mission-driven work, private advisory roles provide substantially higher compensation packages, often including equity stakes and performance bonuses.

The Changing Landscape of U.S. Asia Policy

This migration of expertise from public to private sectors reflects deeper changes in how the United States approaches its Indo-Pacific strategy. The Trump administration's emphasis on "America First" policies and skepticism toward traditional alliances has created an environment where private expertise fills gaps left by reduced government engagement.

Recent polling showing that Asia ranks only fifth in importance for Americans highlights the disconnect between public perception and the strategic reality of U.S.-China competition. Private advisory firms are stepping in to bridge this gap, helping corporations and subnational governments navigate complex regional relationships.

Implications for U.S. Foreign Policy

The shift raises important questions about the future of American foreign policy expertise. While private firms can move quickly and operate across multiple jurisdictions, they may lack the accountability and long-term perspective that government institutions provide.

However, proponents argue that this evolution represents a more efficient allocation of expertise, allowing seasoned professionals to apply their knowledge where it's most needed and valued, rather than being constrained by bureaucratic processes or academic publishing cycles.

As geopolitical competition in Asia intensifies, the role of private strategic advisory firms in shaping U.S. engagement with the region is likely to grow, potentially creating a new model for how foreign policy expertise is deployed in an era of constrained government resources and heightened private sector involvement in international affairs.