
Barath Harithas is a senior fellow in the Economics Program and Scholl Chair in International Business at the Center for Strategic and International Studies, focusing on issues at the intersection of national security, trade, and technology. He has held diverse public service roles in Singapore spanning the U.S.-China relationship, international trade, and AI standards. He began his career in the Singapore Foreign Service focusing on key flashpoints in the U.S.-China rivalry, such as the South China Sea conflict, the trade war, and escalating AI competition. He was subsequently a trade negotiator and was on the policy team for the Trans-Pacific Partnership, the largest and most ambitious free trade agreement signed to date. Most recently, Barath led the development of AI and cybersecurity standards in Singapore and has led engagements with various international organizations including the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development, G20, World Trade Organization, International Organization for Standardization, and International Electrotechnical Commission. In addition, as a key founding member of the first and only pan-Asian trade association, he advocated on a range of digital issues for its 3,000 members across 29 Asia-Pacific countries. Prior to his public service stint, Barath served in the Singapore Armed Forces as a captain. He has a BA in political science from the National University of Singapore and an MPP from Harvard Kennedy School, where he was a John F. Kennedy Fellow, Belfer Young Leader, and Fulbright scholar.
In the News
DeepSeek Is a Win for China in the A.I. Race. Will the Party Stifle It?
Barath Harithas in The New York Times — February 2, 2025
Feds Take Aim At U.S. Chip Sales To China With New Possible Executive Order
Barath Harithas in Forbes — December 21, 2024
All Barath Harithas Content
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Securing the AGI Laurel: Export Controls, the Compute Gap, and China’s Counterstrategy
Commentary by Barath Harithas — December 20, 2024
Where the Chips Fall: U.S. Export Controls Under the Biden Administration from 2022 to 2024
Commentary by Barath Harithas and Andreas Schumacher — December 12, 2024
Staying Ahead in the Global Technology Race
Event — October 31, 2024
From Reaction to Strategy: A New Framework for U.S. Export Control Enforcement
Podcast Episode by Barath Harithas — October 30, 2024

From Reaction to Strategy: A New Framework for U.S. Export Control Enforcement
Commentary by Barath Harithas — October 29, 2024
Enhancing U.S.-ROK Economic Security Cooperation
Event — September 11, 2024
Anatomy of a Technology Blockade: Unpacking the Outbound Investment Order
Podcast Episode by Barath Harithas — July 23, 2024

Anatomy of a Technology Blockade: Unpacking the Outbound Investment Order
Commentary by Barath Harithas — July 15, 2024
Mapping the Chip Smuggling Pipeline and Improving Export Control Compliance
Report by Barath Harithas — April 9, 2024