Afshin Molavi
Senior Fellow at the Foreign Policy Institute of the Johns Hopkins University School of Advanced International Studies
Biography
Afshin Molavi is one of the world’s most compelling voices on the forces reshaping the global economy, geopolitics, and society. A Senior Fellow at the Johns Hopkins School of Advanced International Studies, founder of the widely read Emerging World newsletter, and a columnist for Forbes, Molavi delivers dynamic, insight-rich keynotes that connect the dots between geopolitics, demographics, technology, trade, capital flows, and the shifting balance of global power. A former journalist and development banker, Molavi brings uncommon breadth and depth to the stage. His writing has appeared in The New York Times, The Economist, Businessweek, and Institutional Investor, and his reporting career includes roles at Reuters, The Washington Post, and the Financial Times. He has served as a senior global advisor at Oxford Analytica, worked at the World Bank’s International Finance Corporation, and co-founded both the World Economy Roundtable and emerge85 Lab—an initiative exploring transformative change across Asia, Africa, Latin America, and the Middle East, home to 85% of the world’s population. He was named a Young Global Leader by the World Economic Forum in Davos. Molavi describes globalization as a “relentless and historic series of flows” — an evolving force shaping everyday life. As he often tells audiences: “Globalization isn’t somewhere distant — it’s in your cup, your car, your home, your meal.” From the coffee we drink in the morning to the microchips powering our devices, Molavi shows how global supply chains, capital markets, energy transitions, demographic shifts, and technological disruption shape boardrooms and communities alike — and how recent policy shifts in Washington and other major capitals are accelerating what he calls our “new global operating system,” increasingly defined by power politics, resource competition, new alliances, technological realignment, and profound demographic change. Known for his approachable style, sharp insight, and engaging wit, Molavi draws on history, literature, film, pop culture, and even sports to make complex global issues vivid and accessible. He moves seamlessly from Wall Street to Main Street, from European boardrooms to Asian and Middle Eastern cities, offering audiences clarity in a world defined by volatility and change. From Dallas to Dubai, Atlanta to Amsterdam, and Los Angeles to London, Molavi has delivered impactful keynotes for corporations, investor forums, family offices, trade associations, and global institutions. His presentations blend data, storytelling, and strategic foresight — leaving audiences not only with a clearer understanding of where the world is headed, but with practical insight into how to position themselves for what comes next.
Speech Topics
The New, New Order: How the World Works Now
The old post–Cold War order has faded, but what has replaced it? In The New, New Order, Afshin Molavi takes audiences inside the emerging architecture of global power — shaped by renewed great-power rivalry, shifting alliances, demographic divergence, technological acceleration, and the rise of new “Nexus States” linking capital, trade, energy, and data across continents. Moving beyond the headlines, Molavi explains how power now flows through supply chains, semiconductor networks, digital infrastructure, and financial systems — and what this reorganization of the global system means for investors, executives, and policymakers. The result is a sharp, accessible roadmap to how the world actually works now — and how it is likely to work tomorrow.
Globalization 5.0: Power, Resources, New Alliances, Technological Shifts, and Connectivity
Globalization is not ending — it is being re-engineered. In this forward-looking keynote, Afshin Molavi argues that we have entered Globalization 5.0, an era defined less by frictionless efficiency and more by power politics, resource competition, technological realignment, and strategic alliances. From AI chips and rare earths to energy corridors and hardened supply chains, the flows of goods, capital, data, and people are being reshaped by policy shifts in Washington, Beijing, Brussels, and beyond — accelerating what Molavi calls our “new global operating system.” Blending history, market insight, and on-the-ground experience across Asia, the Middle East, Europe, and the Americas, Molavi offers audiences a clear map of where globalization is heading — and where the next wave of risk and opportunity will emerge.
Videos
Frequently Asked Questions
How can I check Afshin Molavi's availability or request a quote?
You can inquire about Afshin Molavi's availability or get a customized quote by contacting Key Speakers directly. Our team will help you determine fit, logistics, and budget options for your upcoming event.What is Afshin Molavi's speaking fee?
The typical range for Afshin Molavi's speaking fee is $20,000–$25,000. The low end of the fee range represents their standard virtual fee. The high end of the fee range represents their standard fee for a US-based in-person speaking engagement. Appearances which require an extended schedule of activities or international travel will possibly exceed this fee range. Speaker fees update frequently. To receive a personalized quote for Afshin Molavi to speak at your event, please consult with a Key Speakers advisor for up to date information and assistance.What factors influence the speaker's fee?
Other factors that influence a keynote speaker's fee include their reputation, expertise, demand, experience, duration of the presentation, travel requirements for the event location, and any additional services, activities or customization options they offer.Are travel expenses included in the speaker's fee?
Travel expenses are typically not included in the listed speaker's fee and are quoted separately. If the speaker needs to travel internationally, fees will be higher. These expenses may include airfare, accommodation, ground transportation at home and in the event city, and meals. We can provide more detailed information about travel expenses and arrangements once you've selected a speaker.How do I book Afshin Molavi for my event?
The speaker booking process typically involves the following steps: contact Key Speakers to confirm Afshin Molavi's availability, fees, and any unique requirements (we can also help negotiate fees and terms); submit a firm offer to extend the invite to your speaker, with the details used to create an agreement once the speaker accepts; coordinate and finalize the terms of the booking, including contract terms and conditions; and confirm the booking by signing the contract and making the necessary payments.What types of events do keynote speakers typically speak at?
Keynote speakers can speak at a wide range of events, virtual or in person, including conferences, corporate meetings, industry conventions, seminars, workshops, fundraising galas, educational programs, and other special occasions where an inspirational or informative address is desired.How do I select the right keynote speaker for my event?
When selecting a keynote speaker, consider the following factors: the speaker's expertise and knowledge relevant to your event's theme or industry; their speaking style, ability to engage the audience, and deliver impactful messages; past client testimonials, reviews, or references; and the speaker's availability and fee within your budget.What are the payment terms and conditions?
A deposit is required upon signing the contract, with the remaining balance due 2–4 weeks before the event. If the event is taking place within 30 days, the full balance is due upon signing.How far in advance should I book a keynote speaker?
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The duration of a standard keynote speech can vary depending on the speaker and the event's schedule. Typically, keynote speeches range from 30 minutes to 90 minutes, including any Q&A sessions or interactive elements. Some speakers can accommodate half or full day sessions and extended keynotes. Discuss the desired duration with your representative to determine the appropriate length for participation.Can I provide feedback or reviews about the speaker's performance?
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Often, yes. It's worth inquiring about such possibilities with your Key Speakers representative to explore any available cost-savings options.Why book Afshin Molavi through Key Speakers?
We provide a comprehensive service that takes the guesswork out of hiring a speaker — from speaker selection to logistics to post-event feedback. We know you have lots of responsibilities on top of finding and coordinating event speakers, so having a committed and proactive partner on your side that is an expert with the talent booking process is crucial. Every time you book a speaker with Key, your dedicated events manager will support you throughout the entire planning process. We help you negotiate contractual details such as speaker fees and travel terms so that you end up with the most favorable deal. With our highly communicative booking and proposal model, you'll never be left in the dark with the status of your speaker. To put it simply, Key Speakers is your one-stop resource for finding, booking and managing speakers for your event.
Speakers Like Afshin Molavi
Nikolas Badminton
Nikolas Badminton is the Chief Futurist of the Futurist Think Tank. He is world-renowned futurist speaker, a Fellow of The RSA (FRSA), a media personality, and has worked with over 400 of the world’s most impactful companies to establish strategic foresight capabilities, identify trends shaping our world, help anticipate unforeseen risks, and design equitable futures for all. In his new book – ‘Facing Our Futures’ – he challenges short-term thinking and provides executives and organizations with the foundations for futures design and the tools to ignite curiosity, create a framework for futures exploration, and shift their mindset from what is to WHAT IF…
Fee Range: $20,000–$25,000
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Jim Carroll
As a leading futurist, Jim Carroll wakes people up to the trends that will affect them, and challenges them to cope with a world that continues to witness constant, relentless, dramatic change. He is recognized for his critical thinking and business-oriented view of issues related to emerging technologies, social, consumer attitude, workplace, demographic and lifestyle issues, as well as economic and business trends. Jim's programs are delivered with his signature humor, high-level energy, deep insight and challenging observations, and are based on extensive research and customization. He has authored and co-authored some 34 other books, including the critically acclaimed books Surviving the Information Age, The Future Belongs to Those Who are FAST; Ready, Set, Done and What I Learned from Frogs in Texas: Saving Your Skin with Forward-Thinking Innovation.
Fee Range: $25,000–$30,000
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