Rory Stewart combines political leadership, international diplomacy, and cultural exploration to offer rare insight into global governance and cross-cultural understanding. He bridges academic knowledge with practical experience, having worked in conflict zones, led humanitarian initiatives, and held senior political office.
Rory served as Member of Parliament for Penrith and The Border from 2010 to 2019 and was an independent candidate for Mayor of London. During his time in government, he was Secretary of State for International Development, Minister of State for Africa, Minister for the Environment and Rural Affairs, and the youngest ever Chair of the Defence Select Committee. His earlier diplomatic career saw him posted to Indonesia, Montenegro, and Iraq, where he was Deputy-Governor of two provinces after the 2003 intervention. Beyond politics, he founded and led the Turquoise Mountain Foundation in Kabul, revitalising historic districts, establishing schools and clinics, and promoting Afghan crafts internationally.
Rory is the author of five books, including three international bestsellers, has presented three BBC television documentaries, and written for leading journals including the New York Review of Books, the London Review of Books, and the Times Literary Supplement. He co-hosts The Rest is Politics, one of the UK’s leading podcast, with Alastair Campbell, where they analyse global events and political challenges. In January 2024, he became the inaugural Brady Johnson Professor of the Practice of Grand Strategy at Yale University’s Jackson School of Global Affairs.
Rory helps organisations navigate complex geopolitical landscapes by drawing on his diverse experiences in conflict zones, diplomatic missions, and parliamentary politics. His presentations offer actionable strategies for cross-cultural leadership and insights into effective stakeholder engagement across diverse environments. His storytelling approach makes complex geopolitical concepts accessible and applicable.
Book Rory Stewart for an uncommon blend of political insight, cultural intelligence, and practical wisdom that transforms how organisations approach global challenges.
How can I book Rory Stewart for my next event?
Email rory.stewart@getapeptalk.com, or call us 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.
PepTalk are the official speaking agents for Rory Stewart available to book for corporate events, conference keynotes, leadership talks, celebrity endorsements, personal appearances, and motivational speaking engagements. We can assist with enquiries about Rory Stewart's speaking fees, availability, and booking process for private business functions, industry conferences, and team events. For media interviews, charity appearances, or personal matters, we recommend contacting Rory directly.
What topics does Rory Stewart specialise in?
Rory Stewart specialises in discussing foreign affairs, international development, geopolitics and more.
What is Rory Stewart's speaking style like?
Rory delivers thoughtful, articulate presentations with detailed, concrete ideas. He is engaging, flexible, and authentic, encouraging open discussion and making complex topics accessible and thought-provoking for all audiences.
Does Rory Stewart offer virtual speaking engagements?
Yes, Rory Stewart offers virtual speaker bookings for webinars, online conferences, and remote or distributed team engagements.
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