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John Kampfner is a renowned author, journalist, and political commentator who helps audiences worldwide understand and interpret geopolitical issues shaping society. John has worked as a foreign correspondent for the Daily Telegraph, Financial Times, and the BBC, covering major global events such as the collapse of Communism in Eastern Europe, the rise of Vladimir Putin, and the impact of Russian foreign policy on global affairs. He has also reported on conflicts in the Middle East and the global rise of right-wing populism.
John writes regularly for the Guardian, Financial Times, and Der Spiegel. He frequently appears on television and radio for various European broadcasters and continues to produce programmes for BBC Radio 4 and the World Service. His most recent book, "In Search of Berlin" (2023), received critical acclaim.
John is a Senior Associate Fellow at the Royal United Services Institute, Chair of the Quentin Blake Centre for Illustration, and was the founding Chair of Turner Contemporary, one of the UK's most successful art galleries. In 2019, he was awarded an Honorary Doctorate for his services to the arts by Bath Spa University.
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?
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.
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.
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.
