John Hemmings

John Hemmings is a leading geopolitical expert specialising in Indo-Pacific security, US-China relations and maritime strategy. As Director of the National Security Centre at Henry Jackson Society, he is widely recognised for his analysis of global security dynamics and defence policy. With nearly two decades of experience in Indo-Pacific security studies, John has built a reputation as a trusted adviser to governments, military institutions and international organisations, offering deep insight into one of the most strategically important regions in the world.

John’s career has spanned leading think tanks and academic institutions across both the UK and the United States. He has held research and leadership roles at organisations including the Royal United Services Institute and Centre for Strategic and International Studies, developing expertise in defence, security and international relations. He also serves as a Senior Adviser to the Pacific Forum and as an Adjunct Professor at the Daniel K. Inouye Asia-Pacific Centre for Security Studies, reflecting his strong transatlantic and Indo-Pacific focus.

His research centres on key geopolitical issues including US-PRC relations, Japan, the Korean Peninsula and the defence industrial base. John has been called upon to provide briefings to major institutions such as the US Pacific Fleet, the US Department of State and Special Operations Command Pacific. In the UK, he has delivered expert evidence to Parliamentary inquiries and provided briefings to the Cabinet Office, Five Eyes working groups and the Department for Business and Trade on national security and economic strategy.

Alongside his advisory work, John is a respected media commentator and academic voice. He has appeared on major international broadcasters including BBC, Sky News, Fox News and Al Jazeera, and has written extensively on Asia for The Telegraph. His insights are regularly featured in publications such as Financial Times, The Times and CNN. He has also delivered guest lectures at leading institutions, including the London School of Economics and the University of Oxford, further establishing his authority in global security and international affairs.

John is hired as a speaker for his deep expertise in Indo-Pacific geopolitics, US-China relations and global security strategy. With nearly two decades of experience advising governments, military bodies and international organisations, he provides audiences with authoritative and up-to-date analysis of the geopolitical forces shaping the world.

His talks cover critical topics including maritime security, the defence industrial base and economic statecraft, offering clear, strategic insight into complex global challenges. Drawing on real-world experience briefing organisations such as the US Pacific Fleet and UK government departments, John delivers informed, engaging presentations that help audiences understand risk, opportunity and the future of international relations.

Here are some of the key milestones that define John Hemmings’s remarkable career:

  • 2026 – Appointed Director of the National Security Centre at the Henry Jackson Society leading research on global security strategy.
  • 2026 – Hosted and contributed to high-level policy discussions on media, security and geopolitics at the Henry Jackson Society.
  • 2024 – Delivered expert briefings to UK government departments on economic statecraft and national security risks.
  • 2023 – Provided strategic briefings to the US Department of Defense and State Department on Indo-Pacific security issues.
  • 2022 – Delivered expert evidence to UK Parliamentary inquiries on Indo-Pacific strategy and defence policy.
  • 2021 – Served as Adjunct Professor at the Daniel K. Inouye Asia-Pacific Center for Security Studies teaching security strategy.
  • 2020 – Led Indo-Pacific research programmes at leading think tanks including the Pacific Forum and RUSI.
  • 2019 – Published research and commentary in major outlets including the Financial Times, BBC, CNN and The Telegraph.
  • 2018 – Began writing on Asia and geopolitics for The Telegraph contributing to public policy debate.
  • 2017 – Completed a PhD in International Relations at the London School of Economics specialising in Indo-Pacific security.
  • 2017 – Provided expert evidence to UK Parliamentary committees on China policy and regional security dynamics.