For Immediate Release

Contact: Ryan McKenna

Phone: (202) 691-4217

ryan.mckenna@wilsoncenter.org

WASHINGTON— Michael Kugelman has been named Director of the newly created South Asia Institute at the Wilson Center in Washington, D.C. The Institute's mission is to produce impactful research and to provide a prominent platform for the best thought leadership on South Asia.

“Known as a leading voice in South Asia policy analysis, Michael has the experience and background to bring this new initiative immediate credibility and propel its success,” said Wilson Center President and CEO Mark Green. “At a time when the region is rife with complex challenges, the South Asia Institute will help to build a better understanding of the region in Washington and offer sound assessments with an eye toward facilitating more stability and growth.”

Kugelman said, “I am honored to have the opportunity to lead our new South Asia Institute, which will house new Wilson Center initiatives on India and Pakistan, as well as our ongoing work on Afghanistan and other parts of the region.”

“The Wilson Center has long recognized the strategic significance of South Asia, a region that accounts for a quarter of the world’s population,” Kugelman continued. “This new Institute will enable us to build on our long legacy of nuanced and thoughtful research and activities on South Asia.”

Michael Kugelman served as Deputy Director of the Wilson Center’s Asia Program from 2018 to 2022 and the Wilson Center's senior associate for South Asia from 2013 to 2022.

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.