Public Speaking
Speaking on geopolitical and environmental issues, Mr. de Blij has addressed business, governmental, and educational organizations in North America and around the world. His clients include:
- Alabama Education Association
- American Automobile Association
- American Bankers
- American Express Company
- American Society of Travel Agents
- Association of American Publishers
- Chautauqua Institution
- Chicago Council on Foreign Relations
- Dallas Woman's Club
- Environmental Systems Research Institute
- Foreign Policy Institute
- Mellon Bank
- National Council for Teacher Retirement
- National Geographic Society
- Thompson Forum on World Issues
- Tuckahoe Woman's Club
- United States Department of State
- United States Military Academy
- World Affairs Council
- and more than 70 others.
Sample topics (established in consultation with the client) are:
The United States in the Global Geopolitics of the Second Decade
Still the dominant world power and the engine of globalization, the United States faces growing challenges from familiar as well as unexpected sources. How will responsible leadership be sustained?
The Power of Place: How Geography Shapes the Future
By the roulette of birth we are all parachuted into a world of widely varying cultural and natural circumstances. The formidable power of this diverse geography shapes advantage and disadvantage and frames relationships among individuals, communities and nations.
The Challenges of Climate Change
Governments and businesses must intensify their efforts to constrain the emanation of greenhouse-enhancing gases into the planet's atmosphere. But even total cessation would not end climate change, abrupt or longer-term. How to balance mitigation and preparation?
The European Union: Superpower in the Making or Paper Tiger of the Future?
Europe is America's crucial ally, an expanding union of like-minded countries forming a major world market playing a key role in global affairs. But how united is this union, how stable will it be, and how dependable as a partner in an increasingly fractious world?
What Does Russia Want?
An increasingly autocratic Russian government is sending mixed signals to the outside world, alternating belligerence with forbearance. What are Russia's objectives and how do Moscow's strategies affect its neighbors near and far?
India of the Four Corners
Democratic, multicultural India is the key to progress against extremism in its realm -- more so than Pakistan or Afghanistan. Soon to be the world's most populous country and containing the world's largest cultural minority, India (cold-shouldered by Washington during the Cold War) should take its place as America's indispensable ally in this decade.
Mr. de Blij's speaking assignments are arranged by his agent:
Cassidy & Fishman Inc.241 Boston Post Road West
Marlborough, MA 01752