James Carouso

Jim Carouso has been at the forefront of economic diplomacy in the Asia-Pacific for much of his career. His 25 years with the U.S. Department of State included postings as senior foreign policy adviser to the U.S. Indo-Pacific Command, deputy chief of mission and chargé d’ affaires at the U.S. Embassy in Canberra, and chargé d’affaires at the U.S. Mission to the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN). In addition, Jim served in a variety of economic and commercial roles in the Dominican Republic, South Africa, Australia, Thailand, Indonesia, and Cyprus, including acting as a member of the U.S. teams negotiating free trade agreements with Australia and Thailand. While director of the State Department office responsible for relations with the Philippines, Indonesia, Malaysia, Brunei, Singapore and East Timor, Jim conceived and made real U.S.-ASEAN Connect, a new means of economic interaction between the two economies that was announced by President Obama at the 2016 Sunnylands summit. In 2019, he received the State Department’s Distinguished Honor Award. Prior to joining the State Department in 1995, Jim worked in international banking and finance. Since retiring as a diplomat, Jim has served as managing director of strategic consultancy Bower Group Asia in Singapore and currently serves as a senior adviser to that firm. He holds a degree in economics from Hamilton College and a master’s degree in international finance from the American Graduate School of International Management.
Areas of Expertise
In the News
库克群岛披露与中国合作协议细节 深海开采稀有资源引关注
Kathryn Paik and James Carouso in Radio Free Asia — February 19, 2025
Commentary: Would Putin really be willing to expand the war beyond Ukraine as retaliation for Western tanks?
James Carouso in Channel News Asia — January 27, 2023
Creativity key for U.S. to best China in infrastructure race
James Carouso in Nikkei Asia — October 20, 2022
Don’t be fooled by China’s wolf warriors in sheep’s clothing
James Carouso in Financial Review — July 12, 2022
Commentary: Ukraine war must push Southeast Asia to test US commitment to region
James Carouso in Channel News Asia — March 21, 2022
All James Carouso Content
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Australia’s Trade Challenges in 2025
Commentary by James Carouso — February 11, 2025
Australia’s Trade Challenges in 2025
Podcast Episode by James Carouso — February 11, 2025


Future Made in Australia
Critical Questions by James Carouso — July 25, 2024
With U.S. Allies, 1 Plus 2 Equals Four
Commentary by James Carouso — February 16, 2024
Press Briefing: Previewing Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese's Official Visit to the United States
Event — October 16, 2023
Press Briefing: Previewing AUSMIN 2023
Event — July 21, 2023
Thirteenth Annual South China Sea Conference
Event — June 28, 2023
AUKUS Is a Big Deal, and Big Deals Should Lead to Big Debates
Commentary by James Carouso — April 28, 2023
ITAR Should End for Australia
Commentary by James Carouso, Thomas Schieffer, Jeffrey Bleich, John Berry, and Arthur Culvahouse — December 7, 2022