Available to book
Charlie Gammell
Middle East
Geopolitics
Diplomacy
Charlie helps organisations navigate Iran, Afghanistan, and Middle East geopolitics, drawing on his years as a UK diplomat and ICRC negotiator. A historian and author, his commentary appears in The Spectator and the Daily Express.
Historian
Anthropologist
Journalist
Thought Leader
Author
Charlie Gammell is a historian, author, and former British diplomat who brings first-hand experience of Iran, Afghanistan, and the wider Middle East to complex geopolitical questions.
He worked on the Iran desk at the UK's Foreign Office, served as an aid worker for the International Committee of the Red Cross, and as an interpreter negotiating Taliban prisoner swaps in Dari and Pashto. His commentary appears regularly in The Spectator and the Daily Express, and he is the author of The Pearl of Khorasan.
Charlie's fluency in the region's languages and his direct dealings with the Taliban give him a vantage point most Western commentators lack. Rather than abstract analysis, he brings audiences into the details that shape events in Iran and Afghanistan, translating fast-moving geopolitics into clear, usable insight that business audiences can act on.
Audiences gain a clearer understanding of Iran, Afghanistan, and the forces shaping the modern Middle East. Charlie connects political developments with historical context and cultural realities, helping organisations assess geopolitical change with greater care. His experiences offer practical lessons in communication across cultures and building understanding in unfamiliar environments.
For organisations navigating Middle East and Afghanistan uncertainty, Charlie offers valuable first-hand insight.
Topics, sessions and talks
Charlie Gammell delves into the intricate fabric of Iranian society, examining how poetry and culture intertwine with the nation’s politics and identity. He provides a unique lens on the Islamic Republic’s evolution, discussing its historical context and the factors contributing to its current state. Attendees will gain a deeper understanding of Iran's complexities, enriched by Charlie’s engaging storytelling and insightful analysis.
In this session, Charlie Gammell navigates the shifting geopolitical landscape of the Middle East, exploring the forces at play that influence the region's future. Drawing on his extensive experience, he addresses key issues, including regional conflicts, diplomatic relations, and cultural dynamics. Participants will gain valuable insights into potential developments and strategies for engagement in this crucial area of the world.
Charlie Gammell presents a balanced analysis of Afghanistan's tumultuous history, scrutinising both the failures and successes of international involvement. Through personal narratives and informed commentary, he highlights critical moments in the country’s journey. Attendees will learn not only about the complexities of the Afghan conflict but also about the lessons that can inform future policy and humanitarian efforts.
In this personal account, Charlie Gammell shares his journey from a feckless rave organiser to a respected diplomat. He reflects on how travel and language learning reshaped his understanding of life, culture, and self. Through relatable anecdotes, he emphasizes the transformative power of cross-cultural experiences and the importance of embracing diversity, inspiring attendees to appreciate their own journeys and the profound impact of connecting with different cultures.
A former UK diplomat and ICRC negotiator who has negotiated with the Taliban, Charlie now advises companies on Middle East risk while writing for The Spectator and the Daily Express. That combination of frontline experience and ongoing analysis gives clients a direct, unfiltered read on Iran, Afghanistan, and the wider region.
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frequently asked questions
Something we've not covered here?
Email charlie.gammell@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 Charlie's 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.
Charlie Gammell draws on personal narratives from his time as a diplomat, aid worker, and Taliban negotiator to ground geopolitical analysis in direct experience, translating regional complexity into practical insight for business audiences.
Charlie Gammell speaks on Iranian society, poetry and political identity, Middle East geopolitical shifts, and the legacy of international involvement in Afghanistan. He served on the Iran desk at the UK Foreign Office, worked as an interpreter negotiating Taliban prisoner swaps in Dari and Pashto, and is the author of The Pearl of Khorasan.
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