In a world where the contours of geopolitics seem as elusive as they are impactful, understanding this complex phenomenon is more crucial than ever. With over 70% of global leaders acknowledging the increasing complexity of international relations in the past decade, we navigate through the fluid landscape of global politics, where discursive constructions morph into potent political actions. The need for insightful analysis has never been greater.
What is Geopolitics?
Geopolitics explores how geographic space and place influence global politics and power dynamics. It encompasses the study of how countries navigate and compete over territory, resources, and influence, considering both the physical constraints and opportunities presented by the Earth's geography. Geopolitics is inherently forward-looking, aiming to predict state behaviours based on enduring interests in securing resources, defending territories, and managing populations. It is divided into classical geopolitics, which emphasises the impact of geography on national strategy and power, and critical geopolitics, which examines the importance of discourse and ideology in shaping geopolitical perspectives and actions.
Source: Oxford Academic & Britannica
What are the Top Geopolitical Risks of 2024?
The top geopolitical risks of 2024 include economic uncertainty due to impending downturns in the US and Europe, China's slow growth, and escalating geopolitical tensions among superpowers. Energy and climate change remain divisive issues, with the Russian-Ukraine conflict prompting a push for decarbonisation. The global response to COVID-19 has led to a re-evaluation of globalisation, while cyberattacks are growing in frequency and severity, impacting critical infrastructure and serving as tools of statecraft. These challenges have reshaped the world order from one dominated by globalisation to one marked by geopolitical risks and uncertainties in 2024.
Source: S&P Global
Who are the World’s Top 20 Geopolitical Keynote Speakers to Hire in 2024?
- Lord Kim Darroch
- Ian Bremmer
- Helga Flores Trejo
- Ian Goldin
- Carmen Reinhart
- Iain Duncan Smith
- Clive Myrie
- Howard Gutman
- Helen Clark
- Angus Roxburgh
- David Murrin
- Mark Malloch-Brown
- Arne Elias Corneliussen
- Tim Marshall
- General Philip Breedlove
- Alec Ross
- David Nissan
- Karishma Vaswani
- Jay Tuck
- John Pienaar
1. Lord Kim Darroch
Lord Kim Darroch, with a storied career as British Ambassador to the United States and UK Permanent Representative to the European Union, is a masterful speaker on geopolitics. His deep understanding of policy analysis and government affairs honed over decades, makes him a sought-after expert for corporate events. Kim's insights on the Ukraine crisis, Britain's role in the European Union, national security, and American politics are not only authoritative but also engaging, reflecting his extensive experience and accolades, including appointments as CMG and KCMG, and his tenure as Life Peer Baron Darroch of Kew.
Official Speaking Topics:
- The Ukraine Crisis
- Britain in the European Union
- British National Security
- Post-Brexit Britain
2. Ian Bremmer
Ian Bremmer is a distinguished geopolitics speaker, esteemed for transforming the landscape of political science through his pioneering work. As the founder of Eurasia Group, he has leveraged 30 years of expertise to influence global political risk assessment, making politics as critical as economics in evaluating market outcomes. Ian's insights shared widely in Time magazine and through his roles as a professor and author, underscore his unparalleled ability to decipher complex global trends, earning him recognition as a leading voice in geopolitics and a trusted advisor to world leaders.
3. Helga Flores Trejo
Helga Flores Trejo is a renowned geopolitics speaker with a comprehensive background in driving environmental and social impact. As the Vice President Head of International & Multilateral Affairs for Bayer AG, she excels in fostering international partnerships and formulating public policies focused on sustainable goals. With expertise in forest protection, sustainable agriculture, and climate resilience, Helga's addresses, including her recent speech at the 2023 UN Water Conference, inspire action on the world's most pressing challenges. Her distinguished career and passion for sustainable development make her an exemplary keynote speaker.
Official Speaking Topics:
- Sustainability
- International Relations
- Climate Change
- Food Security
4. Ian Goldin
Ian Goldin, a distinguished professor at Oxford University, is celebrated for his expertise in geopolitics, leveraging his rich background as the founding Director of the Oxford Martin School and a former advisor to Nelson Mandela. His speeches on globalisation, innovation, and future trends are informed by an illustrious career spanning high-level roles in international development and policy. Ian's ability to distil complex global issues into insightful analyses makes him a sought-after speaker at leading global forums, embodying a blend of academic brilliance and practical experience.
Official Speaker Feedback:
“Entertaining and engaging. He sparked a lot of debate.” - Terra Firma Capital Partners Limited
5. Carmen Reinhart
Carmen Reinhart is a distinguished speaker in geopolitics, leveraging her vast experience as Harvard Kennedy School's Professor and her roles in global economic institutions. Her fluency in English and Spanish, combined with her ground-breaking work in finance, including the award-winning book 'This Time is Different', showcases her ability to dissect and communicate complex economic and geopolitical issues. Carmen's influence extends through her contributions to the Centre for Economic Policy Research and her testimonies before Congress, marking her as a pivotal figure in international financial discourse.
Official Speaking Topics:
- Macroeconomics
- Global Finance
- Economic History
- Central Banking
6. Iain Duncan Smith
Iain Duncan Smith, an esteemed figure in British politics, excels as a speaker on geopolitics, leveraging his extensive experience as a former Leader of the Opposition and a knighted parliamentarian. His insightful commentary on government policies, corporate impacts, and the UK's geopolitical landscape, especially in the context of Brexit and international relations, showcases his depth of knowledge and ability to connect political strategies with business implications. Iain's leadership in the Conservative Party and his pivotal role in shaping discussions around Brexit and China position him as a distinguished and insightful speaker on the global stage.
Official Speaker Feedback:
"Everything went really well and Iain was very well received by our audience. He arrived on time, was happy to have photographs and his presentation was perfectly pitched for our business audience. Thank you for all of your help with organising and please pass on our thanks to Iain for his time." - Chris, Chamber of Commerce
7. Clive Myrie
Clive Myrie, a multi-award-winning journalist and TV presenter, brings unparalleled insight into geopolitics. With extensive experience as a Foreign Correspondent, including reporting from Kyiv on the Russian invasion of Ukraine, Clive offers deep knowledge of international relations. His career, spanning over three decades with the BBC, covering conflicts, and interviewing world leaders, makes him a captivating speaker on global affairs, providing audiences with a unique perspective on the complexities of the world stage.
Official Speaker Feedback:
"Please do convey our huge thanks to Clive Myrie. The feedback has again been off the scale terrific - an excellent, funny host and we were thrilled that he was able to fit it in!" - Mark, Chief Executive, Film Distributors Association (Repeat Booking)
8. Howard Gutman
Howard Gutman is a talented geopolitics speaker with an impressive background in law and American politics. His expertise honed through roles including United States Ambassador to Belgium and Managing Director of The Gutman Group, lends a unique depth to his speeches. Gutman's knowledge spans international relations, law, and politics, making him a sought-after voice at corporate and investor conferences worldwide.
Official Speaker Feedback:
"The webinar has just finished. Howard is great, he definitely can share a lot of information and insight" - Dora, Manager, CLSA
9. Helen Clark
Helen Clark, with her extensive background as New Zealand's second female Prime Minister and a staunch advocate for gender equality, brings an unparalleled depth of experience to her role as a geopolitics speaker. Her tenure, marked by significant reforms in nuclear disarmament, environmental sustainability, and social equality, positions her as a venerated voice in global politics. Helen's first-hand insights into effective leadership, policy-making, and international diplomacy, enriched by her roles in the UN Development Programme and various ministerial positions, offer audiences a rare glimpse into the intricacies of navigating the geopolitical landscape. Her recognition as a powerful and influential leader further amplifies her credibility as a speaker, making her contributions invaluable to discussions on global challenges and solutions.
10. Angus Roxburgh
Angus Roxburgh, a distinguished journalist and former BBC Moscow and European Correspondent, has transitioned into a compelling speaker on geopolitics. With his extensive background, including authoring 'The Strongman: Vladimir Putin and the Struggle for Russia', Angus brings deep insights into Russian affairs. His expertise, shaped by first-hand reporting and historical analysis, makes him an invaluable resource for understanding the complexities of international relations and the dynamics within Russia. As a speaker, Angus captivates audiences with his rich storytelling and authoritative perspective on current geopolitical challenges.
11. David Murrin
David Murrin is a renowned geopolitics speaker, leveraging his polymath abilities and super forecaster status to decode patterns in history for future predictions. His pioneering five-stage model, grounded in recurrent human behaviour, illuminates decision-making processes and has accurately forecasted numerous events over the past twenty years. From his initial explorations in Papua New Guinea to leading Emergent Asset Management, Murrin combines deep psychological insights with financial expertise, offering invaluable perspectives on geopolitics, economics, and business. Through captivating talks, he educates and enlightens, making him an invaluable asset to any event.
Official Speaker Feedback:
"David addressed the Royal College of Defence Studies for the first time in 2013. His presentation on the impact of Leaders in the historical cycles of empires provided a compelling and thoughtful proposition. David’s analysis is provocative, challenging and highly persuasive, and his talk generated much interest among the 90 Members who represent over 50 countries. Without doubt, he provided one of the genuine highlights of this high-quality 2013 Course." - Nick, Royal College of Defence Studies
12. Mark Malloch-Brown
Mark Malloch-Brown, with his extensive background in the United Nations, British Cabinet, and global business, stands out as a talented geopolitics speaker. His deep understanding of international affairs, politics, and economics, enriched by experiences in journalism, non-profits, and as a communications consultant, enables him to deliver compelling insights on leadership, UN reforms, and global challenges. Renowned for his eloquent speeches, Mark is a sought-after speaker for corporate events, where his expertise offers invaluable perspectives on the complex tapestry of global geopolitics.
Official Speaker Feedback:
"Pitched perfectly, the content was fascinating and the room was packed"- Slaughter and May
13. Arne Elias Corneliussen
Arne Elias Corneliussen, a geopolitical and strategic advisor and founder of NRCI, stands out as a talented speaker on geopolitics. With first-hand experience from over 125 countries, his insights into Africa, Asia, the Middle East, and Latin America are unparalleled. A Fellow of the Royal Geographical Society and a seasoned adventurer, Arne combines his extensive travel experiences with a deep academic background to offer engaging, informed perspectives. His adventurous expeditions and authoritative presence make him a compelling keynote speaker, especially on topics related to geopolitical risks, opportunities, and global strategic trends.
Official Speaker Feedback:
”NRCI's CEO Arne Elias Corneliussen gave an excellent virtual presentation to AIG, providing a compelling and insightful analysis of the challenging geopolitical environment for business. In 45 minutes he expertly covered an impressively wide range of global topics. Arne has broad and deep expertise, and the ability to combine detailed regional knowledge with a genuinely global and ‘big-picture’ perspective.”- Rhodri, American International Group
14. Tim Marshall
Tim Marshall is a distinguished speaker on geopolitics, renowned for his expertise as an internationally acclaimed author, broadcaster, and journalist with over 30 years of experience. His background as a former Diplomatic Editor and Foreign Correspondent for Sky News, covering hotspots across the globe, enriches his engaging talks. Marshall captivates audiences with insights drawn from first-hand experiences in war zones and interviews with world leaders. His bestselling books, including 'Prisoners of Geography', underscore his authority on global affairs, making him a thought-provoking and sought-after speaker.
15. General Philip Breedlove
Philip Breedlove, a retired General of the United States Air Force and former Supreme Allied Commander of NATO is a distinguished speaker on geopolitics. With his extensive military background, leadership roles, and academic achievements, General Breedlove brings a deep understanding of international security affairs. His ability to articulate complex geopolitical issues, combined with his strategic insight, makes him a sought-after voice in discussions on global security challenges.
Official Speaking Topics:
- Geopolitics
- Russia
- War in Ukraine
16. Alec Ross
Alec Ross, a Distinguished Visiting Professor at the Bologna Business School, is renowned for his insights on innovation and geopolitics. His background as a Senior Advisor for Innovation to Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, combined with his role in bringing technology to underserved communities, positions him as a leading voice in geopolitics and geo-economics. Named one of the Top 100 Global Thinkers by Foreign Policy Magazine, Alec's experience spans teaching, policy-making, and authoring bestselling books on future industries. His speaking engagements offer invaluable perspectives on navigating today's complex global landscape.
Official Speaking Topics:
- Navigating the Demand of Shareholders and Stakeholders
- Innovation, Automation, and Education in Tomorrow’s Economy
- 10 Innovations that will Change All of Our Lives in the Next 10 Years
- The Road Forward for the USA and Europe
17. David Nissan
David Nissan stands as a distinguished expert in geopolitics, with an unrivalled grasp on Iran and the Middle East. His background as an officer and commander in the Israeli Defence Forces, combined with four decades of experience in Israel, positions him as a leading authority. Nissan's career, from Intelligence Processing and Analysis with the IDF to impactful roles at Terrogence and as a consultant for the Israel Ministry of Defence, underlines his deep expertise. His academic credentials in Middle Eastern Studies, International Relations, and Marketing further solidify his status as a transformative speaker for any event seeking depth in geopolitical discourse.
Official Speaking Topics:
- Israel, Iran and the Middle East – An Unconventional Perspective
- Inside the Mind of Iran’s Leader
- Behind the Veil - A Virtual Tour of Iran
18. Karishma Vaswani
Karishma Vaswani stands out as a distinguished speaker on geopolitics, leveraging her extensive background as a high-profile journalist in Asia. With over two decades at the BBC, and currently enhancing her influence at Bloomberg Opinion, she brings a wealth of experience covering significant stories and conducting pivotal interviews across Asia and South Asia. Her deep understanding of the region, especially the dynamics of China's rise and its global implications, positions her as a leading voice in interpreting complex geopolitical landscapes. Her expertise, combined with her roles as a keynote speaker, moderator, and event MC, showcases her ability to distil and communicate intricate geopolitical narratives engagingly and insightfully.
19. Jay Tuck
Jay Tuck is a distinguished geopolitics speaker with profound expertise in US defence, Middle East business strategy, and the implications of AI in military technology. His extensive background as an investigative journalist and founder of Airtime Dubai enriches his captivating talks on the global AI race and its potential threats. Renowned for his viral TEDx Talk and authoritative insights into security policy and espionage, Jay's ability to engage with audiences worldwide makes him a highly sought-after speaker on international stages.
Official Speaker Feedback:
”It will take AI a long time to replace an inspirational speaker like this.” - Viactiv Health Insurance
20. John Pienaar
John Pienaar, with over three decades as an esteemed political reporter, has become a distinguished speaker on geopolitics. His tenure at the BBC, covering significant British political events, equips him with a wealth of stories and insights. Now, at Times Radio and through speaking engagements, John's expertise and engaging storytelling captivate audiences, making him a prized asset for any event. His ability to demystify complex political landscapes with authority and charm underscores his talent as a speaker.
Hire a Geopolitical Speaker Today!
To hire one of the geopolitical speakers featured in this post, or any of the powerful geopolitics speakers featured on our website, simply contact us today by filling in our online contact form or by calling one of our dedicated booking agents on 0207 1010 553.
This blog post was exclusively written by Jack Hayes based on official data and customer feedback from 2022 to 2024 at 467 geopolitical conferences and events in 14 countries.
