John Kampfner, is a British author, journalist, broadcaster, and commentator. He was born on December 17, 1962, in London, England. Kampfner is known for his extensive work in the field of international affairs, politics, and human rights. Kampfner began his career as a journalist in the early 1980s, working for the New Statesman magazine and then moving to the Daily Telegraph. He later became the Chief Political Correspondent for the Financial Times and worked as a foreign correspondent in Moscow and Berlin. In 2000, Kampfner became the Editor of the New Statesman, a position he held until 2005. During his tenure, he revitalised the publication and brought it to prominence with a focus on investigative journalism and political analysis. Kampfner has written several books on a wide range of topics. His book “Blair’s Wars” (2003) provides an analysis of Tony Blair’s foreign policy decisions during his time as Prime Minister of the United Kingdom. He has also authored books on freedom of speech, media ethics, and the future of democracy. In addition to his writing, Kampfner has worked as a broadcaster and commentator. He has hosted programs on BBC Radio 4 and the BBC World Service, covering international politics and human rights issues. He has also contributed to various television programs, including Newsnight and Panorama. Kampfner’s work has been widely recognised and awarded. He has received the Foreign Press Association Media Award and the One World Media Award for his journalism. He is a regular speaker at conferences and events, sharing his insights on global affairs and democracy. He currently serves as an Executive Director at Chatham House. He previously was Chair of the board of the Turner Contemporary art gallery as well as former Chief Executive of Index on Censorship and former editor of the New Statesman. He has written several books, including Blair’s Wars and, most recently Why the Germans do it Better: Notes from a Grown-Up Country.

Events participated in:

Why the Germans Do it Better: Join Germanophile Angus Robertson as he discusses the role Germany plays in Europe and the reinvention of Berlin with author John Kampfner and one of Germany’s topbroadcasters, Annette Dittert. (2023)

Paths to Peace: Beyond Conflict’s Tim Philips reveals how he convinced the Pope to support a crucial back channel between the US and Cuba, and Oscar Guardiola-Rivera gives a perspective on the Colombian peace process. With John Kampfner. (2016)

The Sunday Herald Debate: The New Auld Alliance: Alyn Smith, Richard Bacon MP, John Kampfner, andMerry Somerset Webb debate Scotland’s future in Europe. (2016)

Can We Ever Trust the State: As more disclosures emerge about the extent of official surveillance in Western society, John Kampfner asks whether we can ever trustthe State to protect our liberties. Author of forthcoming book,‘Story of a Death Foretold’ which charts the 1973 Chilean Coup,Ben Emmerson QC author of the UN report on drone strikesand US Ambassador Cynthia P. Schneider. (2013)