This article was first published in The Indian Express on January 22, 2025
Following his tenure as Prime Minister of the United Kingdom, Rishi Sunak has embraced new academic roles at two of his alma maters: the University of Oxford in the UK and Stanford University in the US. At Oxford’s Blavatnik School of Government, Sunak has been appointed as a Distinguished Fellow and a member of the World Leaders Circle. This global network comprises former heads of government who collaborate to exchange ideas and promote effective governance worldwide. Professor Ngaire Woods, Dean of the Blavatnik School, emphasized that Sunak’s expertise will be instrumental in equipping current public leaders with the necessary skills to address evolving global challenges.
Simultaneously, Stanford University’s Hoover Institution has welcomed Sunak as the William C. Edwards Distinguished Visiting Fellow. In this capacity, he will focus on a broad spectrum of issues, including transatlantic relations, economic policy, technology, and global security challenges. Condoleezza Rice, former US Secretary of State and Director of the Hoover Institution, highlighted that Sunak’s extensive policy and global experience will enrich the fellowship and contribute to defining important policies moving forward.
Reflecting on these appointments, Rishi Sunak expressed his deep affection for both institutions, acknowledging their significant influence on his life and career. He stated, “I was fortunate enough to study at both; they shaped my life and career, and I look forward to contributing to their world-leading research in the months and years ahead.”
These academic roles will run concurrently with Sunak’s responsibilities as a Conservative Member of Parliament for Richmond and Northallerton in northern England. Before his political career, Rishi Sunak built a successful trajectory in international business and finance, co-founding an investment firm that collaborated with companies across various regions. His diverse experiences are anticipated to provide valuable insights in his new academic endeavors.
Sunak’s return to academia underscores his commitment to addressing contemporary global issues through scholarly engagement. By leveraging his experiences in both the political and financial sectors, he aims to contribute meaningfully to the academic communities at Oxford and Stanford. His involvement is expected to inspire current and future leaders to navigate the complex economic and security challenges of our time…
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