Ambassador Michael Armacost, distinguished diplomat and former trustee and board chair of The Asia Foundation, passed away on March 8, 2025, at the age of 87. Ambassador Armacost left an indelible mark on U.S.-Asia relations and the numerous organizations he worked for, including the State Department, Defense Department, Brookings Institution, Stanford University, and The Asia Foundation.
The Ohio native graduated from Carleton College in 1958 and earned master’s and doctorate degrees in public law and government from Columbia University before setting off on a remarkable career in public service that included serving as ambassador to the Philippines from 1982 through 1984, undersecretary of state for political affairs from 1984 to 1989, and then ambassador to Japan from 1989 to 1993.
In 1994, Ambassador Armacost brought his remarkable expertise in Asian affairs and foreign policy to The Asia Foundation, or TAF, when he joined the board of trustees. He served as vice chairman from 2002 to 2008 and then chairman 2008 to 2014, after which TAF designated him as chairman emeritus.
Ambassador Armacost’s commitment to fostering deeper U.S.-Asia relations was exemplified through his time with TAF. He provided strategic direction and leadership, guiding TAF’s efforts to improve lives across Asia and the Pacific through programs in governance, law, and civil society. His tenure as chairman was marked by initiatives that promoted democratic governance, women’s empowerment, and regional cooperation. His vision and leadership were instrumental in expanding TAF’s impact across the continent.
“His extensive network in foreign policy circles in Washington, as well as in key Asian countries was extremely helpful in advancing the work of TAF and ensuring broad support for our mission,” David Arnold, president and CEO of The Asia Foundation from 2011 to 2023, said.
“Mike and his wife Bonny also contributed generous financial support to the Foundation, establishing TAF’s first charitable remainder trust as part of their joint estate plan,” he added.
Ambassador Armacost was an intrepid traveler and made numerous visits to TAF country offices to check in with staff during his regional travels. Former TAF board member and Trustee Emerita Missie Rennie traveled with Ambassador Armacost to Manila and Kabul, where they visited the TAF office in January 2010, shortly after a major bombing in the city.
“On the trip to Kabul Mike and I were strolling past the bombed hotel,” she said. “I took a picture. In a nanosecond, Afghan security wanted my camera. But the imposing figure of Mike blocked the way, and he would have tackled him if need be.”
That’s just one of many examples of how he was always looking out for the best interests of TAF and its people.
“Mike believed very strongly in term limits, which did not exist at TAF at the time,” Rennie added. “He believed in boards being refreshed, just having served as board chair of his own College. He made us stronger and better with new voices and faces at the table.”
Beyond his diplomatic and foundation roles, Armacost was a prominent figure in academic and policy research circles. From 1995 to 2002, he served as the president of the Brookings Institution. He became a Shorenstein Distinguished Fellow at Stanford University’s Asia-Pacific Research Center in 2002, where he contributed to research on Asia-Pacific affairs and mentored the next generation of scholars and policymakers.
His numerous awards and honors include the President’s Distinguished Service Award, the Defense Department’s Distinguished Civilian Service Award, and the Secretary of State’s Distinguished Services Award. In 2007, he was awarded the Order of the Rising Sun, Grand Cordon, by the Japanese government.
His legacy is characterized by his unwavering dedication to enhancing U.S.-Asia relations. His diplomatic efforts, particularly in Japan and the Philippines, helped navigate complex political landscapes and foster stronger bilateral ties. His leadership at TAF and the Brookings Institution further demonstrated his commitment to informed policy discourse and international cooperation.
“As in all of his prior diplomatic and nonprofit leadership positions, Mike left an indelible mark on the people and programs of The Asia Foundation,” Arnold said. “He will be sorely missed by all of us who had the privilege of knowing and working with him.”
Ambassador Armacost fully embodied the best of TAF’s mission and values. We extend our deepest condolences to Ambassador Armacost’s family and friends.
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