
John Bolton
Former National Security Advisor | Author of 'The Room Where It Happened'

About
John Bolton brings an unparalleled perspective on world events from his decades at the highest levels of American foreign policy. As National Security Advisor from 2018-2019, he championed resolute US foreign and defense policy, overseeing the administration's withdrawal from the 2015 Iran nuclear deal and participating in strategic conversations with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un. He also played a crucial role in policy formulation on Russia and China, including strategic arms control issues. As U.
S. Ambassador to the United Nations from 2005-2006, Bolton strongly defended American economic and security interests while leading international coalitions on critical global challenges. He spearheaded efforts with France's ambassador to approve a unanimous Security Council resolution ending the 2006 Hezbollah war on Israel and successfully blocked Venezuelan leader Hugo Chavez's bid to join the Security Council. Throughout his career in the Reagan, Bush Sr.
, and Bush Jr. administrations, Bolton has consistently fought to protect American national interests through his work at the State and Justice Departments. He has since authored "The Room Where It Happened," sharing insights from his White House tenure.
What John Talks About
Lessons from Shakespeare on imagination and leadership in diplomacy
Strategic decision-making in high-stakes international negotiations
Behind-the-scenes perspectives on US foreign policy formation
Managing complex relationships with world leaders and adversaries
The intersection of literature and real-world leadership challenges
Talks2
The power of imagination: Lessons from Shakespeare
Shakespeare boasted an uncanny understanding of human nature. Might the Bard be a helpful workplace consultant with tips on navigating the plot twists and characters taking stage in the modern world? (Want to learn whom you can trust at work? Take a meeting with Othello. Need advice on creative problem solving? Check in with Hamlet.) John Bolton walks us through five lessons from the Bard that still resonate today.
More Talks
John Bolton at Aspen Ideas Festival 2025
At a Glance
Is this you?
Claim this profile to edit your bio, add talks, and get verified.
Know a talk we're missing?
Get in Touch
Save for Later
Frequently Appeared With
Speakers who have appeared at the same events
Alessandra Orofino
Social Entrepreneur | Empowering Civic Engagement
2 shared events · Aspen Ideas Festival, TED
Anna Deavere Smith
Playwright and actress | Transforms social narratives into theatrical experiences
2 shared events · Aspen Ideas Festival, TED

Anne Pasternak
CEO of Creative Time | Empowering Art to Move, Motivate and Inspire
2 shared events · Aspen Ideas Festival, TED
Anne-Marie Slaughter
Former Foreign Policy Chief | Leading the Future of Work
2 shared events · Aspen Ideas Festival, TED
Anthony D. Romero
ACLU Executive Director | Civil Rights & Social Justice Advocate
2 shared events · Aspen Ideas Festival, TED

Audrey Tang
Taiwan's Digital Minister | Emerging Technology & Social Innovation
2 shared events · Aspen Ideas Festival, TED
Aziz Abu Sarah
Peacebuilder & Intercultural Entrepreneur | Bridging Divides
2 shared events · Aspen Ideas Festival, TED
Baratunde Thurston
Media Commentator | Deconstructing Racism Through Critical Media Analysis
2 shared events · Aspen Ideas Festival, TED
Similar Speakers
Speakers with related expertise

Anders Fogh Rasmussen
Global Leadership Expert | Former NATO Secretary General and Danish Prime Minister

José Manuel Barroso
Former President, European Commission | Global Statesman on European Politics

David Cameron
Former Prime Minister of the United Kingdom | Foreign Secretary and global diplomacy expert

Kevin Rudd
Former Australian Prime Minister | Global Leadership & China Relations