| Overview | Kapur is a prominent scholar and policy expert specializing in South Asian security, nuclear deterrence, and international relations. He has held significant academic positions and served in multiple U.S. government roles, including the State Department's Policy Planning Staff and currently as Assistant Secretary of State for South and Central Asian Affairs. |
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| Notable Roles | - Served on the U.S. State Department’s policy planning staff from 2020–2021.
- Participated in U.S.-India Track 1.5 strategic dialogues.
- Nominated by President Donald Trump in February 2025 to be Assistant Secretary of State for South and Central Asian Affairs.
- Sworn in as Assistant Secretary of State for South and Central Asian Affairs on 22/10/2025.
- Professor in the Department of National Security Affairs at the United States Naval Postgraduate School.
- Visiting fellow at the Hoover Institution, Stanford University.
- Directed U.S.-India Track 1.5 strategic dialogues and other U.S.-India engagements for the Department of Defense.
- Previously taught at Claremont McKenna College and the Naval War College.
- Visiting professor at Stanford University.
- Nominated by President Donald Trump in 2025 to be Assistant Secretary of State for South and Central Asian Affairs.
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| Publications | - His book 'Jihad as Grand Strategy' discusses Pakistan's strategy involving Islamist militants.
- Frequently published articles in academic journals reflecting his research and policy insights.
- 'Dangerous Deterrent: Nuclear Weapons Proliferation and Conflict in South Asia' (Stanford University Press, 2007).
- Co-author of 'India, Pakistan, and the Bomb: Debating Nuclear Stability in South Asia' (Columbia University Press, 2010).
- Co-editor of 'The Challenges of Nuclear Security: U.S. and Indian Perspectives' (Palgrave Macmillan, 2024).
- 'Jihad as Grand Strategy: Islamist Militancy, National Security, and the Pakistani State' (Oxford University Press, 2016) — argues that jihad is a major part of Pakistan's grand strategy.
- Articles published in leading academic journals including International Security, Security Studies, Asian Survey, and Washington Quarterly.
- Contributions to outlets such as the Wall Street Journal, the National Interest, and RealClearPolicy.
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| Diplomatic Focus | Expertise in South Asian politics and security, nuclear proliferation and deterrence, and Indo-Pacific strategy. Known for research arguing that Pakistan's use of jihadist groups is deliberate state policy rather than a side effect of instability. |
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