Fareed Zakaria is a prominent global journalist, political analyst, and author widely respected for his thoughtful insights on international affairs. Born in India and later becoming an American citizen, he has built a distinguished career across television, print media, and academia. He is best known as the host of CNN’s Fareed Zakaria GPS, where he discusses geopolitics, economics, and global trends with world leaders and experts. In addition to television, he writes for The Washington Post and has previously worked with Newsweek and Time magazine. Through his books and commentary, Zakaria has earned recognition as one of the most influential voices in global politics, shaping public understanding of complex world issues.
Early Life, Birth & Education
Fareed Rafiq Zakaria was born on January 20, 1964, in Mumbai, India. He grew up in an intellectually stimulating environment, deeply influenced by his parents’ involvement in politics, religion, and journalism. Zakaria completed his early education at The Cathedral and John Connon Senior School, Mumbai, before moving to the United States. He later studied at Yale University and earned his PhD in international relations from Harvard University in 1993, laying a strong academic foundation for his future career.
Career, CNN GPS & Journalism Work
Fareed Zakaria is a globally respected journalist and political analyst. He is best known as the host of CNN’s “Fareed Zakaria GPS”, a program focused on global politics, economics, and international affairs. Alongside television, he writes a weekly column for The Washington Post. His career also includes roles as Editor of Newsweek International, columnist for Newsweek, and Editor-at-Large at Time magazine, establishing him as a leading voice in global journalism.
Born, Age & Net Worth
Born in 1964, Fareed Zakaria is 61 years old. Through decades of work in media, publishing, and public speaking, he has achieved notable financial success. His estimated net worth is between $12 million and $15 million, mainly earned from CNN contracts, book sales, speaking engagements, and syndicated writing.
Family, Religion & Personal Life
Fareed Zakaria married Paula Throckmorton in 1997; the couple later divorced. There is no confirmed information about a new wife, as he keeps his personal life private. He has three children—Lila, Omar, and Sofia Zakaria. His father, Rafiq Zakaria, was a prominent Indian politician and Islamic scholar, while his mother, Fatima Zakaria, was a well-known journalist. Zakaria follows Islam and is widely recognized for his secular, balanced worldview.
Books & Global Influence
Zakaria is also a bestselling author whose work explores democracy, global power shifts, and world politics. His notable books include The Post-American World, The Future of Freedom, and Ten Lessons for a Post-Pandemic World. These works are widely read by policymakers, scholars, and global leaders, extending his influence far beyond television.
Fareed Zakaria Biography Table
| Field | Details |
|---|---|
| Real Name | Fareed Rafiq Zakaria |
| Date of Birth | January 20, 1964 |
| Age | 61 years |
| Birth Place | Mumbai, India |
| Nationality | American |
| Religion | Islam |
| Profession | Journalist, Political Commentator, Author |
| Education | Yale University, Harvard University |
| Father Name | Rafiq Zakaria |
| Mother Name | Fatima Zakaria |
| Brother Name | Arshad Zakaria |
| Sister Name | Tasneem Zakaria Mehta |
| Wife Name | Paula Throckmorton (divorced) |
| Children | Lila, Omar, Sofia Zakaria |
| TV Show | Fareed Zakaria GPS (CNN) |
| Net Worth | $12–15 million (estimated) |
| Height | Not publicly disclosed |
| Weight | Not publicly disclosed |
| Eye Color | Dark Brown |
Final Thoughts
Fareed Zakaria stands out as one of the most influential global political commentators of his generation. With a strong academic background, decades of journalistic excellence, and impactful books, he continues to shape global conversations on democracy, geopolitics, and world affairs. His balanced analysis and thoughtful insights make him a trusted voice in international media.
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FAQs
What religion is Fareed Zakaria?
Fareed Zakaria was raised in a Muslim family and follows Islam, though he is known for holding largely secular views.
How much does CNN pay Fareed Zakaria?
CNN has not disclosed his exact salary, but estimates suggest he earns around $3–5 million per year from CNN and related media work.
Is Fareed Zakaria an immigrant?
Yes, Fareed Zakaria is an immigrant who was born in India and later became a naturalized U.S. citizen.
What does Fareed Zakaria’s GPS stand for?
In Fareed Zakaria GPS, GPS stands for “Global Public Square.”
Which country owns the GPS system?
The United States owns and operates the Global Positioning System (GPS) through its government and military.
