The journey of Tanvi Madan began with a deep fascination for history and international affairs. She pursued a bachelor’s degree with honors in history at Lady Shri Ram College, where she developed a strong analytical lens toward political events and global narratives. Her academic experiences instilled a belief that understanding the past is essential for shaping better policies in the present.
Determined to broaden her intellectual horizons, she went on to earn a master’s degree in international relations from Yale University. This phase of her education sharpened her expertise in diplomacy, strategic theory, and international cooperation, reinforcing her commitment to exploring how nations balance interests and values.
Tanvi Madan: Academic Growth and Early Professional Experiences
During her doctoral studies, Tanvi Madan served as a Harrington doctoral fellow and teaching assistant at the Lyndon B. Johnson School of Public Affairs. This experience allowed her to blend research with teaching, fostering an ability to communicate complex policy ideas with clarity and accessibility.
Before emerging as a major policy voice, she worked in India’s information technology industry, gaining practical insights into economic transformation and global markets. She also served as a research analyst in foreign policy, experiences that deepened her understanding of policy analysis and international strategy.
These formative roles shaped her multidisciplinary approach — one that combines historical awareness, strategic foresight, and practical knowledge.
Rising Influence at the Brookings Institution
At the Brookings Institution, Tanvi Madan has become a central figure in global policy discourse. As a senior fellow in the Foreign Policy program and director of The India Project, she explores India’s role in the world and the evolving architecture of international order.
Her research delves into:
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India’s strategic partnerships and diplomatic priorities
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The complexities of India-China-U.S. relations
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Indo-Pacific geopolitics and maritime security
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Interest-based coalitions, especially the Quad
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India’s foreign policy diversification strategy
Tanvi Madan: Intellectual Contributions: Books, Research, and Thought Leadership
A defining milestone in Tanvi Madan’s career is her acclaimed book, Fateful Triangle: How China Shaped US-India Relations during the Cold War, published by Brookings Institution Press. The book provides a compelling historical analysis of how China influenced the strategic evolution of U.S.–India ties during the Cold War. Through meticulous research, she demonstrates how historical tensions continue to shape modern diplomacy.
Her ongoing scholarship includes:
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A forthcoming book examining the past, present, and future of the China-India-U.S. triangle
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A monograph on India’s evolving foreign policy diversification
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Research on Indo-Pacific coalitions and regional security architecture
Her writing is known for blending historical insight with contemporary policy analysis, offering readers both context and practical understanding.
Expanding the Conversation: Media Engagement and Public Dialogue
Beyond academic writing, Tanvi Madan actively engages with global audiences through media and public discussions. She has been cited by leading international publications and frequently appears on prominent news platforms to explain complex geopolitical developments in clear, accessible language.
She also hosts the Global India podcast, where she explores India’s global interactions, strategic challenges, and opportunities. Through thoughtful interviews and analysis, she brings nuanced foreign policy conversations to a broader audience.
Her editorial contributions further demonstrate her influence. She serves on the editorial board of Asia Policy and is a contributing editor at War on the Rocks, helping shape scholarly and strategic debates worldwide.
International Collaborations and Policy Engagement
Tanvi Madan’s expertise extends beyond a single institution. She is part of the Futures Council at the Australian National University’s National Security College, reflecting her global recognition as a strategic thinker.
Her testimony before policy commissions, including hearings on U.S.–China relations, highlights her ability to connect academic research with real-world policymaking. Through these engagements, she contributes to informed decision-making at the highest levels.