Ambassador Kurt Volker is a notable diplomat, strategist, and authority in international relations, with over three decades of experience spanning politics, academia, and the private sector. Serving under six U.S. Presidents, Kurt has held various positions within government, including U.S. Ambassador to NATO between 2008 and 2009 and U.S. Special Representative for Ukraine Negotiations between 2017 and 2019. He has applied his leadership skills to critical global events, such as NATO’s response to Russia’s invasion of Georgia and the ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict.
Kurt’s early career began as an Intelligence Analyst at the CIA before he transitioned to the U.S. Foreign Service, where he held influential roles in major European capitals. He later served as Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary of State for European and Eurasian Affairs, overseeing a budget of $400 million, 78 overseas posts, and NATO summits in Prague and Istanbul. This experience further solidified his expertise in intercontinental relations, NATO policy, and crisis negotiation.
Furthermore, Kurt’s influence extends into academia; he co-founded the American University Kyiv in 2022 and currently serves as the Supervisory Board Co-Chair. He was also the founding Executive Director of the McCain Institute for International Leadership. Equally, in the private sector, he is a Distinguished Fellow at the Centre for European Policy Analysis (CEPA) and a trusted adviser to organisations such as the U.S. Institute for Peace and GLOBSEC. Additionally, he leads as President and Founder of Alliance Strategic Advisors, LLC, providing strategic guidance to businesses navigating global markets.
An increasingly desirable speaker in the realm of global affairs, Kurt Volker combines his extensive experience in the evolving geopolitics of the 21st century with actionable insights into leadership and crises decision-making. Regularly featured on platforms such as CNN, BBC, and Fox News, Kurt actively shapes the global dialogue on international security, diplomacy, and transatlantic cooperation. His ability to distil complex global challenges into engaging narratives makes him an inspiring and impactful speaker for audiences worldwide.
How to hire Kurt Volker
Contact the Champions Speakers Agency to provisionally enquire about hiring Kurt Volker for your next event, today. To get in touch, simply call an official booking agent on 0207 1010 553 or email us at [email protected] for more information.
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Kurt Volker's official speaker topics are listed below:
- Geopolitics
- Global Strategy
- Russia, Ukraine, and the Future of European Security
- American Politics
- National Security
- 2022 – Co-founded and became the Supervisory Board Co-Chair of the American University Kyiv
- 2020 – Named 'Distinguished Fellow' at the Center for European Policy Analysis (CEPA).
- 2017–2019 – Served as U.S. Special Representative for Ukraine Negotiations
- 2012–2019 – Founding Executive Director of the McCain Institute for International Leadership
- 2011 – Joined BGR Group as Senior International Advisor
- 2008–2009 – Appointed U.S. Ambassador to NATO
- 2005–2008 – Served as Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary of State for European and Eurasian Affairs
- 1999–2001 – Deputy Director in the Private Office of NATO Secretary-General George Robertson
- 1998 – Appointed First Secretary of the U.S. Mission to NATO
- 1997–1998 – Legislative Fellow in the Office of Senator John McCain
- 1994–1997 – Served at the U.S. Embassy in Budapest
- 1988 – Joined the U.S. Foreign Service
- 1986 – Began his career as an intelligence analyst at the CIA
