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Keynote SpeakerJames Crabtree

Geopolitical analyst and Author, Leading Expert on Globalisation and the Rise of Asia

James Crabtree is a geopolitical analyst and author, with extensive experience living and working in Asia. He is currently a distinguished visiting fellow in the Asia programme of the European Council on Foreign Relations in Berlin, a non-resident distinguished fellow at the Asia Society in New York, and a columnist... Read more

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Popular Talks by James Crabtree

  • Understanding The New Geopolitical Disorder

    The return of President Donald Trump has underscored a new world of fragmented, competing power centers with different visions of global order. Regional wars, economic nationalism, and technological competition are reshaping alliances and creating new fault lines. James’s talk will illustrate how this disorder creates both new risks and strategic…
  • Where next in US / China Competition

    The relationship between the world’s two largest economies has evolved from engagement to strategic rivalry across economic, technological, and military domains. This competition is forcing countries worldwide to navigate increasingly complex choices about trade relationships, technology standards, and security arrangements. Drawing on more than a decade in Asia watching this…
  • Thriving in a World of Fractured Globalization

    The integration of global markets is giving way to fragmented economic blocs organized around security concerns and technological ecosystems. Companies must now navigate multiple regulatory regimes, supply chain vulnerabilities, and geopolitical risks in their strategic planning. James will explain strategic approaches for organizations seeking to build resilience while finding advantage…
  • The Weaponization of Economic Interdependence

    In the aftermath of conflicts in Ukraine and elsewhere, nations are increasingly leveraging financial systems, supply chains, and market access as tools of strategic competition and coercion. Critical resources, from semiconductors to rare earth minerals, have become pawns in a global chess game of economic statecraft. James will explain how…
  • Technology and the New Balance of Power

    Emerging technologies like artificial intelligence, quantum computing, and synthetic biology are creating new dimensions of state power and competition. The race for technological advantage is blurring traditional boundaries between public and private sectors while raising profound questions about governance. James will describe how technological leadership is becoming the defining factor…
  • Beyond China and India: Understanding Asia's New Global Role

    Beyond China and India, the diverse economies of Southeast Asia, Central Asia, and the Pacific are emerging as critical theaters in great power competition and global supply chains. These regions offer distinctive opportunities in manufacturing, resources, and services while presenting unique governance and development challenges. James will explore how these…

Biography

James Crabtree is a geopolitical analyst and author, with extensive experience living and working in Asia. He is currently a distinguished visiting fellow in the Asia programme of the European Council on Foreign Relations in Berlin, a non-resident distinguished fellow at the Asia Society in New York, and a columnist for Foreign Policy magazine. His first book “The Billionaire Raj: A Journey Through India’s New Gilded Age”, was short-listed as FT / McKinsey business book of the year and named an Amazon book of the year. He is currently writing his second book, provisionally entitled The Perimeter, examining the future of America’s military presence in Asia, due to be published in 2026 by W. W. Norton & Company.

Previously, James Crabtree was the Singapore-based Executive Director of the Institute of International Strategic Studies in Asia, where he led the organisation of the Shangri-La Dialogue security summit, and an Associate Professor in Practice at the Lee Kuan Yew School, Asia’s leading school of public policy. Prior to that James spent ten years as a journalist and foreign correspondent, notably for the Financial Times, where he was both Mumbai Bureau Chief and Comment Editor. He writes for a range of global publications from the FT to The New York Times. Before moving abroad he worked as a senior advisor in the UK Prime Minister’s Strategy Unit, under Prime Ministers Gordon Brown and Tony Blair. He has also worked for various think tanks in London and Washington DC, and spent a number of years living in America, initially as a Fulbright Scholar at Harvard’s Kennedy School of Government.

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How to book James Crabtree as a keynote speaker

How do I book James Crabtree for a keynote speech?

You can book James Crabtree through London Speaker Bureau by submitting the enquiry form on this page or calling our team. One of our consultants will respond promptly with James's current availability, speaking fees and any specific requirements for your event.

What are James Crabtree's speaking fees?

James Crabtree's speaking fees depend on the event format (in-person or virtual), the location, the length of the engagement and the level of customisation required. Please contact London Speaker Bureau for an up-to-date fee quote for James tailored to your event.

What topics does James Crabtree speak about?

James Crabtree speaks on Asia, Emerging Markets, Geopolitics. Talks can be shaped around your audience, industry and strategic objectives - share your event brief with London Speaker Bureau and we will work with James to align the content with your delegates and goals.

Is James Crabtree available for international events?

London Speaker Bureau can book James Crabtree for events worldwide, subject to James's schedule. Please send us your event date, location and format and we will confirm availability and handle travel and logistics on your behalf.

Does James Crabtree deliver virtual or online keynotes?

Virtual and hybrid keynotes are now a standard part of the speaking industry. Please contact London Speaker Bureau to confirm whether James Crabtree is available to deliver a virtual session for your event and on which platform (Zoom, Microsoft Teams, a bespoke studio or your own).

How long is a typical keynote by James Crabtree?

Most keynote speeches run between 45 and 60 minutes, often followed by a 15-30 minute Q&A. Other formats - shorter conference slots, panel appearances or longer workshop sessions - may also be possible. Share your agenda with London Speaker Bureau and we will confirm what James can accommodate.

Can James Crabtree tailor the keynote to our industry and audience?

London Speaker Bureau will brief James Crabtree on your audience profile, sector and objectives so the keynote can be shaped around your event. The level of customisation possible depends on the speaker and the lead time - contact us with your brief and we will confirm what James can offer.

What languages does James Crabtree present in?

James Crabtree delivers keynotes in English. This profile may not list every language available; ask London Speaker Bureau to confirm. If you require simultaneous interpretation or a multilingual format, please mention this in your enquiry and London Speaker Bureau will arrange it for you.

What makes James Crabtree a strong fit as a keynote speaker?

James Crabtree's areas of expertise include Asia, Emerging Markets, Geopolitics. To get a clear sense of James's style, credentials and how they engage an audience, please review the biography, popular talks and any videos or testimonials shown on this page, or request a detailed speaker brief from London Speaker Bureau.

What kind of events can James Crabtree speak at?

James Crabtree can be booked through London Speaker Bureau for corporate conferences, leadership events, internal team meetings, association gatherings and private client engagements where expertise in Asia, Emerging Markets, Geopolitics is relevant. Details of James's background and previous engagements are included in the biography above; contact us if you would like a more detailed list of past clients or case studies.

Does James Crabtree offer workshops, panels or fireside chats in addition to keynotes?

Beyond keynote speeches, many of the speakers on our roster also take part in workshops, executive masterclasses, panel discussions and fireside chats. Contact London Speaker Bureau with your preferred format and we will confirm what James Crabtree is able to offer alongside or instead of a keynote.

How far in advance should we book James Crabtree?

We generally recommend enquiring at least three to twelve months in advance to secure your preferred date with James Crabtree, particularly during peak conference seasons. Where possible we also accommodate shorter lead times - please contact London Speaker Bureau to check James's current availability for your dates.