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Geopolitical expert & journalist

John Kampfner

Geopolitics

Europe

Russia

Gain strategic clarity on geopolitical risk and global trade with John Kampfner, foreign correspondent and international affairs keynote speaker. John equips business and policy audiences to navigate geopolitical tensions, European politics, and Russia-Ukraine dynamics. Bestselling author of eight books and Senior Associate Fellow at RUSI.

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Trusted by Royal United Services Institute

John Kampfner

London, United Kingdom

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£2k–5k

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London, United Kingdom

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John Kampfner's biography

Journalist

Political Analyst

Author

Broadcaster

BBC

Event Moderators

At a glance

Author, journalist, and foreign affairs specialist of 40 years
Bestselling author of 8 books shortlisted for Orwell Prize
Former editor of New Statesman with 30-year circulation highs

John Kampfner is an award-winning author, journalist, and foreign affairs specialist who draws on four decades of experience at the frontline of international politics to help organisations make sense of a rapidly shifting geopolitical landscape. As Berlin and then Moscow bureau chief for the Daily Telegraph in the early 90s, John reported on events from the fall of the Berlin Wall to the war in Ukraine. He went on to work at the BBC across the Today programme and Newsnight, before becoming Editor of the New Statesman from 2005 to 2008, taking the magazine to its highest circulation in 30 years. John is the author of eight books, including the Sunday Times bestsellers Why the Germans Do It Better and Blair's Wars, and Freedom for Sale, shortlisted for the Orwell Prize. A Senior Associate Fellow at the Royal United Services Institute, he writes regularly for the Guardian, Foreign Policy, and Politico, and continues to make programmes for BBC Radio 4 and the World Service. John combines firsthand reporting with deep political analysis across Europe, Russia, the UK. His experience in journalism, diplomacy, cultural leadership, and policy gives audiences a practical understanding of geopolitical risk, democratic change, populism, trade tensions, and shifting global alliances. He explains complex issues clearly, linking political developments directly to business strategy, investment decisions, and institutional resilience. Audiences leave his sessions better equipped to read the international environment, more confident in connecting global developments to their own strategic context, and with a clearer framework for anticipating what comes next. Book John Kampfner to gain a sharper understanding of where geopolitical tensions are heading and what they mean for trade and investment.

John's showreel and videos

Topics, sessions and talks

International Politics: The Impact On Global Business

In this talk, John Kampfner dissects the intentions of China, Russia and other hostile forces. What are the next steps? What can and should the West do? What about the role of the growing force of non-aligned states, the likes of India, Brazil and South Africa in navigating the many hotspots that affect trade and investment decisions?

Germany In The Midst Of A Generational Change

The Germans are praised for their skilled engineering, exporting prowess and R&D. But they’ve fallen behind on digitisation and innovation. A country that prides itself on its prudence is now having to find tens of billions to upgrade its armed forces - and to change the national mindset at a time of high tension. In this keynote, John Kampfner looks at the impact on Germany today and what the future holds for a country recognised as powerhouse of Europe for many years.

Putin – The Threat, Grievance And What It All Means

2004 saw John Kampfner engaged in a bizarre encounter, a four-hour diatribe in which Putin set out his grievances towards the West. In this keynote, John explains Putin’s obsession with Russia’s great power past and his refusal to allow other Slav nations (notably Ukraine) their independence. He also considers Putin’s next likely incursions into Europe and whether he can be stopped at home or abroad.

40 Elections That Will Shape Global Politics In 2024

Half the world’s population, theoretically at least, will vote in 2024. Yet this “super-year” comes at a time when post-war democracy has never been more in jeopardy. This tour d’horizon takes in the conduct and impact of elections in populous states such as India, Indonesia and Mexico, to the big votes in the US and the EU that are in the grip of a new populist wave. John Kampfner discusses the impact this will have on global politics.

Why we recommend booking John

John brings four decades of frontline reporting from Berlin to Moscow, translating geopolitical shifts into trade and investment implications that matter now. He offers exactly the kind of informed, independent perspective that boards and leadership teams need.

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Trusted by Royal United Services Institute

Testimonials

John was a great speaker, tailored to the audience and encouraged active participation. He even welcomed attendees to challenge his views. Confident and well spoken. It was a pleasure having him speak.

WBD

John delivered an insightful presentation about global influences on the European market as well as local factors. It created lots of debate in the audience, which is exactly what I wanted.

FEDESSA

Smart, provocative, entertaining.

Sky News

Featured Projects

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Email john.kampfner@getapeptalk.com or call PepTalk on +44 20 3835 2929 (UK) or +1 737 888 5112 (US), and one of our speaker agents will contact you within hours to confirm availability and fees. If you can, please include your budget upfront – it helps us fast-track your request. It’s also helpful to know the date, format (virtual or in-person), location, and a bit about your audience. As speaker agents, PepTalk can secure John Kampfner for commercial and corporate events, conference keynotes, leadership talks, celebrity brand endorsements & partnerships, personal appearances, and motivational speaking engagements. We can assist with enquiries about John Kampfner's speaking fees, availability, and booking process for private business functions, industry conferences, and team events. Please note, for media interviews, autographs, charity appearances, or personal matters, we recommend contacting John Kampfner directly.

What is John Kampfner's speaking style like?

John delivers confident, insightful presentations that spark debate and encourage participation. His style is smart, provocative, and engaging, making complex topics accessible and stimulating for diverse audiences.

What topics does John Kampfner specialise in?

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