John Sitilides
Geopolitical Strategist & Diplomacy Consultant to the U.S. Department of State
Biography
John Sitilides is Principal at Trilogy Advisors LLC in Washington, D.C., specializing in geopolitical risk, international security, and federal government affairs, and is Senior Fellow for National Security at the Foreign Policy Research Institute. He is a professional speaker at corporate, investor, and industry conferences, and before government, military and intelligence community audiences, on geopolitical and geo-economic risk management and the business impacts of national security policies. He explores the complex decisions that impact markets in Asia, Europe, the Middle East, and worldwide, helping corporate executives, investment managers and civic audiences better understand, anticipate, and mitigate risk. From 2006 to 2023, he was a U.S. Department of State Diplomacy Consultant under Presidents Biden, Trump, Obama, and Bush, managing professional development at the Foreign Service Institute, the diplomacy academy for American foreign policy professionals. He was Board Chairman of the Woodrow Wilson Center Southeast Europe Project , following seven years as Executive Director of the Western Policy Center, an international relations institute specializing in U.S., NATO & EU interests in Europe and the Middle East until he negotiated its 2004 merger with the Woodrow Wilson International Center for Scholars. He launched his career in the U.S. Senate, has testified before Congress, and is a frequent national security commentator on U.S. and international media such as Bloomberg News, CNN, FOX News, CNN International, and NewsNation, and has been interviewed or cited in the Wall Street Journal, New York Times, Washington Post, Washington Times, Newsweek, The National Interest, Politico, National Public Radio, Asia Times, Institutional Investor, South China Morning Post, and other leading print and digital media. Sitilides serves on the Executive Committee of Leadership 100, a national Orthodox Christian endowment. He served on the Board of Directors of an advanced media technology company and a personalized biopharmaceutical company; of International Orthodox Christian Charities, a global humanitarian organization; and of the Advanced Imaging Society, promoting the global motion picture industry’s arts and technologies. He is a member of the Association of International Risk Intelligence Professionals, the Intelligence and National Security Alliance, the Columbia University Club of Washington, D.C., and the Association of Former Senate Aides. He holds a Master’s Degree in International and Public Affairs from Columbia University. His wife is an attorney and businesswoman, and they have four sons
Speech Topics
China, Russia, and America: Geopolitics & Geo-Economics in the Decade Ahead
The Big Picture: A Geopolitical and Geo-Economic Outlook
Geopolitics, Geo-Economics, and Great Power Threats to Global Supply Chains
Washington & the World: The New Geopolitics of Trade, Technology, Energy & War
Geopolitical strategist John Sitilides - National Security Senior Fellow at the Foreign Policy Research Institute and former U.S. Department of State Diplomacy Consultant (2006-2023) under Presidents Biden, Trump, Obama, and Bush - is a professional speaker at leading corporate, investor, and industry conferences, and before government, military, and intelligence community audiences, on geopolitical risk management and the business impacts of international security policies. Sitilides probes the Trump Administration’s foreign policy, international trade, national security, and global affairs priorities and strategies for the next four years, concentrating on major shifts in U.S. worldwide tariff policies and anticipated trade negotiations; renewed emphasis on Western Hemisphere trade, security, and commercial arrangements; enhanced strategic commercial, technological and military competition in the “cold peace/trade war” to constrain China’s disruption of international trade, supply chain, global shipping, and financial systems; active unconventional diplomacy to end hot wars in Ukraine and the Middle East; and anticipated trends in global hydrocarbon, nuclear, and renewable energy markets. Sitilides’ dispassionate and non-partisan assessment of the multi-faceted geopolitical and geo-economic decisions that shape and impact markets worldwide - using only open-source intelligence against the backdrop of a visually dynamic and highly engaging slide deck using maps, charts, graphs, world leader portraits and zero text - helps corporate executives, investment managers, and civic audiences better understand, anticipate, and mitigate risk on the complex issues that will disrupt and dominate the global landscape for years to come.
Geopolitics in a World Re-Ordered: Trade, Technology, Energy & Markets
Geopolitical strategist John Sitilides - National Security Senior Fellow at the Foreign Policy Research Institute and former U.S. Department of State Diplomacy Consultant (2006-2023) under Presidents Bush, Obama, Trump & Biden – is a professional speaker at leading corporate, investor, and industry conferences, and before government, military, and intelligence community audiences, on geopolitical and geo-economic risk management and the business impacts of international security policies. What Your Client Audiences Will Gain: His presentation examines the Trump Administration’s sweeping foreign policy reset, including: • Strategic dominance of the Western Hemisphere; • Technology competition and military deterrence against China's disruption of trade and financial systems; • U.S. tariff policies and global commerce impacts; • New security architectures and trade ties in the Middle East and Europe; • Supply chain security and protected shipping lanes; and • Advanced technology impacts on energy, rare earth, and commodity markets.
Videos
Frequently Asked Questions
How can I check John Sitilides's availability or request a quote?
You can inquire about John Sitilides'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 John Sitilides's speaking fee?
The typical range for John Sitilides's speaking fee is $10,000–$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 John Sitilides 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 John Sitilides for my event?
The speaker booking process typically involves the following steps: contact Key Speakers to confirm John Sitilides'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?
It is generally advisable to book a keynote speaker as early as possible, especially if you have a specific speaker in mind or if your event is during a peak season holiday. Ideally, booking a speaker three to six months in advance can increase the chances of securing your desired speaker.Can you help me with the logistics and technical requirements for the speaker's presentation?
Yes, we can assist you with the logistics and technical requirements for the speaker's presentation. We stay actively involved during pre-event planning to coordinate with you and ensure that the necessary audiovisual equipment, staging, lighting, and other technical aspects are in place for a successful presentation.Are there any special requirements or accommodations that need to be considered for the speaker?
Keynote speakers may have specific requirements or accommodations that need to be considered, such as travel arrangements, accommodation preferences, dietary restrictions, or accessibility needs. Some speakers have a performance rider we include in the contract, others have minimal requirements.Do keynote speakers offer customization options for their presentations?
Yes, many keynote speakers offer customization options for their presentations. They can tailor their content, examples, or case studies to align with your event's theme, industry, or specific audience. Discuss your customization needs with us so we can guide you accordingly.Can the speaker participate in pre-event activities such as panel discussions or Q&A sessions?
Some keynote speakers are open to participating in pre-event activities such as panel discussions, Q&A sessions, or meet-and-greet sessions. Please share your specific requirements with us during the firm offer phase, so we can work on getting you everything you need.How long is a typical keynote speech?
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 John Sitilides 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 John Sitilides
Peter Zeihan
Peter Zeihan is a geopolitical strategist who specializes in global energy, demographic and security. He analyzes the realities of geography and populations to deepen the understanding of how global politics impact markets and economic trends. Zeihan’s worldview marries the realities of geography and populations to a deep understanding of how global politics impact markets and economic trends, helping industry leaders navigate today’s complex mix of geopolitical risks and opportunities. With a keen eye toward what will drive tomorrow’s headlines, his irreverent approach transforms topics that are normally dense and heavy into accessible.
Fee Range: $40,000–$80,000
Travels From: CO
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