It is with heavy heart that we learned of the passing of Dr. Anthony Cordesman, the US-Asia Institute’s (USAI) long-time senior advisor, mentor, and friend, who passed away on Monday January 29, 2024 at the age of 84. We all benefited over three decades from Tony's wisdom, unique insight, dry wit, and his unfailing belief in, and support of, the US-Asia Institute. We were indeed fortunate to have him by our side.
We met Tony in 1990 when he was a senior Hill staffer working for Senator John McCain and the Senate Armed Services Committee. He and USAI co-founder Joji Konoshima built a bond that led to many discussions, especially on Asia and the role it would play on the ever-evolving world stage. Tony traveled with USAI on Congressional staff delegations to China in April of 1990 and again in November 1992 as well as to several countries of Southeast Asia under Mutual Educational and Cultural Exchange Act (MECEA) Programs.
After leaving the Hill, Tony continued to be involved with USAI, traveling with more than a dozen Congressional delegations between 1996 and 2019 as the USAI lead and as a senior advisor. His impact on his fellow travelers was profound as evidenced by incoming tributes over recent days:
My trip with him was one of the most memorable experiences of my life, and I learned so much from his incredible insight.
I will always be grateful for my trip to China and I will never forget Tony’s wit and kindness – a magical combination.
I first met him on one of the trips you hosted. A wonderfully knowledgeable and decent person. A heavyweight intellect. It was a privilege to be on a team with him.
He was filled with such great stories, experiences, and knowledge you couldn’t help but leave his company filled with thoughts about all the topics you discussed with him.
In June 2004, co-founder Esther G. Kee asked Tony to chair the US-Asia Institute’s 25th anniversary National Leadership Conference at the US Department of State. This forum brought together Members of Congress and the Administration along with top diplomats, academics, and business leaders from across Asia for frank discussions on economic policies and security challenges with an insightful discussion on emerging leadership across the Asia-Pacific. His insightful comments and adept guidance ensured a productive and meaningful outcome. But his impact went beyond that day as expressed by one of the international participants:
For the past two decades, I've read many essays and reports by Dr. Cordesman and learnt a lot. He has been a model for me as a think tank researcher. It's a big loss for the policy community and USAI.
Tony continued to support USAI throughout the years as a senior advisor, a speaker and moderator for large and small discussions, and probably, most importantly as a mentor and friend. Behind the scenes, Tony had time for everyone he encountered. He enjoyed greatly meeting the young interns and staff who came to the Institute and mentored all – interns, staff, advisors, and Trustees at USAI.
Tony was a true friend of the Institute and to many of us personally. I will certainly miss him and his always sage and concerned advice to me about the Institute.
I feel truly privileged to have known Tony during my time at USAI. Tony was always available to offer advice and counsel whenever we needed it. His profound wisdom, generosity with his time, and genuine care have left an indelible mark on me.
I learned so much from his ever-measured explanations covering an issue. It was extremely useful to me as a newcomer to Asia. Even on our walks over to Congress, I picked up little nuggets that never occurred to me and I am very grateful to him.
Rest in peace, our dear friend. You touched the lives of so many around the world. You may be gone but the memories and your tremendous influence live on. Thank you for being significant part of the US-Asia Institute.
