Afshin Molavi

Afshin Molavi, an acclaimed expert in global geopolitical risk and geoeconomics with a particular focus on the Middle East and Asia, is renowned for his deep insights and engaging presentations as a keynote speaker. His expertise, stretching across multiple domains, positions him as one of the most original thinkers in the realms of globalisation and geopolitical risk, especially concerning the "rise of the rest" - a term that encapsulates the increasing significance of non-Western global economic players. At the heart of Afshin's expertise lies his role as a Senior Fellow at the Johns Hopkins SAIS Foreign Policy Institute and as Co-Director of the Emerge85 Lab. His work at these institutions embodies his dedication to exploring the evolving dynamics of geoeconomic multiplicity and the global impact of emerging economic players from non-Western regions. His focus on geo-economic trends, coupled with his holistic approach, offers a unique perspective on the shifting global landscape.

Afshin's insights extend to a broad range of topics, from 'The New Silk Road' to South-South trade, global hub cities, emerging market multinationals, global aviation, the geopolitics of energy and the intersection of Middle Eastern states with the global economy. His background as a Senior Research Fellow at the New America Foundation and a former Director of the World Economic Roundtable further enhances his deep understanding of these complex subjects. A former journalist with extensive experience in the Middle East, Afshin's work has been featured in prominent publications such as The New York Times, The Financial Times and Foreign Affairs. His ability to articulate complex geopolitical concepts in an accessible manner has been widely recognised and appreciated, as evident in testimonials from organisations like Visit Florida and Falcon and Associates, Dubai.

Afshin's approach as a keynote speaker is particularly notable for his ability to connect high-level concepts to relatable scenarios, making the "500-foot view" accessible and engaging. His skill in handling a wide range of on-the-spot questions during Q&A sessions, combined with his humour and grace, has been highlighted as a key strength. Beyond his role as a speaker, Afshin is a prolific writer, contributing to Forbes on geopolitics and emerging markets. He has also been a Senior Advisor for Oxford Analytica and has previously served as an analyst at the International Finance Corporation. His initiatives, like the co-founding of the emerge85 Lab and launching of the Emerging World newsletter, demonstrate his commitment to exploring key global trends.

In summary, Afshin Molavi stands out as a keynote speaker for his deep knowledge of geopolitics in Asia, his engaging and accessible presentation style and his ability to distil complex global trends into understandable and relatable insights. His contributions continue to shape the understanding of geopolitical dynamics, especially in the rapidly evolving regions of Asia and the Middle East.