Amy Gallo
Authority on Calm, Confident Conflict Resolution, Healthy Communication and Positive Relationships at Work; Author
Samir Puri
Geopolitics & Global Strategy Expert | Author, Westlessness | Director, Chatham House Centre | PhD Cambridge
A leading authority on geopolitics and international strategy, speaker Samir Puri combines frontline diplomatic experience with deep historical scholarship. As Director of Chatham House's Centre for Global Governance and Security, he helps leaders understand how power shifts, imperial legacies, and great-power competition are reshaping business, security, and the global order.
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Samir Puri biography
Global affairs speaker Samir Puri is one of the leading voices on geopolitics and international strategy today. A former British diplomat, conflict monitor, and academic whose career spans government service, frontline fieldwork, and rigorous scholarship, Puri has established himself as an essential interpreter of the forces reshaping the global order — from great-power rivalry and the rise of Asia to the persistent legacies of empire and the emergence of a multipolar world.
Puri holds a PhD in International Relations from Cambridge University and has served in the British Foreign and Commonwealth Office, focusing on counterterrorism and international security. He monitored the onset of conflict in eastern Ukraine as part of the OSCE and has held academic posts at King’s College London, Johns Hopkins SAIS, and Nanyang Technological University in Singapore. He currently serves as inaugural Director of Chatham House’s Centre for Global Governance and Security, where he advises on how geopolitical instability is reshaping world order.
Making Sense of a World in Transition
Puri is the author of several influential books that connect history to present-day crises. Westlessness: The Great Global Rebalancing examines the relative decline of Western influence and the rise of a multipolar order led increasingly by Asia and the Global South. The Great Imperial Hangover reveals how the legacies of former empires continue to drive today’s identities and conflicts, while Russia’s Road to War offers a penetrating analysis of the historical forces behind Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. Across these works, Puri has earned recognition for his ability to illuminate the deeper narratives behind today’s geopolitical tensions.
As a speaker, Samir Puri translates complex global dynamics into clear, strategic frameworks that executives and policymakers can act on. Whether addressing the rebalancing away from Western dominance, Asia’s emergence as the world’s strategic center of gravity, the return of great-power competition, or the nature of modern conflict, Puri equips audiences with the long-view perspective and practical insight needed to navigate an increasingly volatile world.
Samir Puri Speaking Videos
Gavin Esler & Samir Puri | Brexit, Britain and the Legacy of Empire | Edinburgh Book Festival
This Diplomat Predicted the $10 Trillion Power Shift - Dr. Samir Puri
Samir Puri Keynote Topics
Drawing on his book Westlessness, Puri explains why Western influence is declining relative to the rise of Asia and the Global South — and what this means for global power, economics, and diplomacy. He argues the world is becoming less Western without becoming non-Western, presenting a nuanced framework for understanding the emerging multipolar order and how organizations can adapt to a fundamentally shifting geopolitical landscape.
Puri examines how Asia is becoming the world's strategic center of gravity, drawing on his years of teaching and research in Singapore and his deep expertise in Asian geopolitics. He breaks down regional dynamics, economic integration, and political realities to show how Asia's ascent will shape global business, investment flows, supply chains, and security alliances for decades to come.
Based on his acclaimed book The Great Imperial Hangover, this keynote reveals how the legacies of former empires — from Britain and France to Russia and the Ottoman Empire — continue to drive today's identities, border disputes, and geopolitical rivalries. Puri connects past imperial ambitions to current flashpoints, providing essential long-view context for leaders who need to understand the root causes of international risk and instability.
Drawing on his firsthand experience monitoring conflict in eastern Ukraine with the OSCE and his book Russia's Road to War, Puri analyzes the historical and strategic forces behind Russia's invasion and explains how it has reshaped European security, global alliances, and the rules of engagement in modern conflict. Audiences gain a nuanced understanding of what this war means for the future of international order and business continuity in Europe.
A practical executive-focused session on how geopolitical shocks affect supply chains, markets, technology, regulation, and investment risk. Puri draws on his diplomatic, academic, and advisory experience to equip leaders with frameworks for anticipating disruption, assessing country risk, and building resilient strategies in a volatile world where political shocks increasingly determine business outcomes.
Speaker topics
FAQs on Booking Samir Puri
Why Samir Puri?
Samir Puri offers a rare combination of frontline diplomatic experience, academic rigor, and strategic clarity that few geopolitics speakers can match. With a PhD from Cambridge, service in the British Foreign Office, firsthand conflict monitoring in Ukraine, and a current role directing Chatham House's Centre for Global Governance and Security, he brings real-world credibility to every engagement. His books — Westlessness, The Great Imperial Hangover, and Russia's Road to War — have established him as one of the most respected interpreters of global power shifts. Puri does not offer abstract commentary; he delivers actionable geopolitical intelligence that helps leaders make better strategic decisions. Book Samir Puri through Aurum Speakers Bureau to bring world-class geopolitical insight to your next event.
What is Westlessness about?
Westlessness: The Great Global Rebalancing examines the relative decline of Western influence and the emergence of a multipolar world order. Puri argues that the key idea is not that the West is disappearing, but that the world is becoming less Western — with Asia, the Global South, and regional powers increasingly shaping global economics, diplomacy, and security. Drawing on perspectives from his vantage point in Asia, the book provides a nuanced framework for understanding how this rebalancing affects business strategy, international relations, and the future of global governance.
What is Samir Puri's professional background?
Samir Puri holds a PhD in International Relations from Cambridge University. He served in the British Foreign and Commonwealth Office working on counterterrorism and international security, and later joined the OSCE to monitor the onset of conflict in eastern Ukraine. His academic career includes positions at King's College London, Johns Hopkins SAIS, and Nanyang Technological University in Singapore. He currently serves as the inaugural Director of Chatham House's Centre for Global Governance and Security, advising on how geopolitical instability is reshaping the international order.
What topics does Samir Puri cover as a keynote speaker?
Samir Puri delivers keynotes on geopolitics and global strategy, the decline of Western dominance, Asia's rise as a global power center, the legacies of empire in modern politics, Russia's war in Ukraine and European security, and the practical implications of geopolitical disruption for business. His presentations are tailored to executive audiences and provide actionable frameworks for navigating political risk, supply chain vulnerability, and international uncertainty. Contact Aurum Speakers Bureau to discuss how Samir Puri can bring geopolitical clarity to your event.
How to book Samir Puri as a keynote speaker?
Aurum Speakers Bureau can help you book Samir Puri as a speaker for your next event, conference, or board meeting. Simply fill out our contact form to inquire about Samir Puri's availability for a speaking engagement. One of our booking agents will respond to your request immediately and contact the speaker to let them know you want to hire them. We will assist you with obtaining speaking fees, booking information, and confirming availability for Samir Puri or any other top keynote speaker or celebrity of your choice.
How much is Samir Puri speaking fee?
Samir Puri speaking fees are determined by several factors, including the event's date, whether it's a virtual or in-person event, the duration, format, preparation required for their speech, and more. The same applies to the cost to hire any other top expert speakers and celebrities. The Speaker Fee Range listed on our website is simply a guideline and is subject to change without notice. If you would like to hire Samir Puri to deliver a keynote speech for your event, please fill out the contact form or email us at info@aurumbureau.com with as much detail as possible. One of our experienced agents will get in touch with you and let you know exactly how much it will cost to book Samir Puri.
How can I contact Samir Puri?
We only work with Samir Puri on paid speaking engagements. Aurum Speakers Bureau can assist you in booking Samir Puri and will handle all negotiations, contracts, and logistics associated with having Samir Puri speak at your event. We will be your sole point of contact throughout the process. Get in touch with Aurum Speakers Bureau today, and we will reach out to any motivational speaker or celebrity you want to enquire about speaking at your event. If you wish to contact Samir Puri for any other reason, we will be unable to assist you as we are not authorized to provide personal contact information.
Can I book Samir Puri for a virtual keynote?
Yes, Samir Puri is available for virtual keynotes and webinars. To book Samir Puri for a virtual event, please complete the contact form or send us an email to inquire about the special fees for virtual engagements.
