Share
James Rubin Profile Picture

Keynote SpeakerJames Rubin

Former American Diplomat and Journalist who served as U.S. Assistant Secretary of State for Public Affairs in the Clinton Administration

James Rubin is an internationally renowned foreign affairs journalist, academic, and world-leading authority on U.S. diplomatic, national security and foreign policy. In September 2014, he joined The Sunday Times as a columnist. Rubin served under President Clinton as Assistant Secretary of State for Public Affairs and Chief Spokesman for Secretary... Read more

Watch James Rubin in action

Popular Talks by James Rubin

  • National Security
  • International Relations
  • US Foreign Policy
  • Media and Technology

Biography

James Rubin is an internationally renowned foreign affairs journalist, academic, and world-leading authority on U.S. diplomatic, national security and foreign policy. In September 2014, he joined The Sunday Times as a columnist.

Rubin served under President Clinton as Assistant Secretary of State for Public Affairs and Chief Spokesman for Secretary of State Madeleine K. Albright from 1997-2000. He also acted as a special negotiator during the Kosovo crisis to secure the demobilisation of the Kosovo Liberation Army.

James Rubin was a Visiting Scholar at Oxford University’s Rothermere American Institute (2013-2014). In New York, Rubin was a Commissioner of the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey and a Counsellor to Governor Andrew Cuomo (D-NY) (2011-2013); adjunct professor at Columbia University’s School of International and Public Affairs (2009-2011); and Co-Executive Editor of Bloomberg View in 2011.

From 2000-2008, James Rubin worked in London as a broadcaster, professor, and financial communications strategist. He was Anchor and World Affairs Commentator for SKY News from 2005-2007, a Visiting Professor of International Relations at the London School of Economics from 2001-2004; a partner in the Brunswick Group – a financial advisory firm – from 2001-2004; and co-anchor of Wide Angle, an international affairs series on PBS, in 2002 and 2003.

During the 2008 election cycle, he represented Hillary Clinton’s campaign in debates and TV appearances on international affairs. In 2004, he was Senior Adviser for National Security for the Kerry/Edwards Campaign, and in 1996, he was Director of Foreign Policy for Clinton/Gore.

Previously, James Rubin served as Senior Adviser and Spokesman for the U.S. Representative to the United Nations, Madeline K. Albright (1993-1996), Professional Staff Member on the U.S. Senate Committee on Foreign Relations and Senior Foreign Policy Adviser to Senator Joseph R. Biden, Jr. (1989-1993). He began his professional career as a Senior Analyst and Research Director for the nonpartisan Arms Control Association. (1985-1989).

In 1998, James Rubin was the recipient of Columbia University’s John Jay Award for Distinguished Professional Achievement. In 2000, he received the State Department’s highest honor, the Distinguished Service Award. He received a Bachelor of Arts degree in Political Science (1982) and a Masters in International Affairs (1984) from Columbia University.

He has written extensively for The New York Times, Financial Times, Washington Post, The New Republic, Newsweek, and Foreign Affairs; and appears frequently on CNN, BBC, SKY, and MSNBC.

James Rubin serves on the Board of the International Peace Institute.

Ready to invite James Rubin to your event?

Tell us about your event, one of our consultants will reach out within 24 hours.

How to book James Rubin as a keynote speaker

How do I book James Rubin for a keynote speech?

You can book James Rubin 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 Rubin's speaking fees?

James Rubin'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 Rubin speak about?

James Rubin speaks on America, Government & Politics. 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 Rubin available for international events?

London Speaker Bureau can book James Rubin 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 Rubin 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 Rubin 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 Rubin?

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 Rubin tailor the keynote to our industry and audience?

London Speaker Bureau will brief James Rubin 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 Rubin present in?

James Rubin 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 Rubin a strong fit as a keynote speaker?

James Rubin's areas of expertise include America, Government & Politics. 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 Rubin speak at?

James Rubin can be booked through London Speaker Bureau for corporate conferences, leadership events, internal team meetings, association gatherings and private client engagements where expertise in America, Government & Politics 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 Rubin 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 Rubin is able to offer alongside or instead of a keynote.

How far in advance should we book James Rubin?

We generally recommend enquiring at least three to twelve months in advance to secure your preferred date with James Rubin, 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.