Globalization is often portrayed as the bogeyman in American politics. Thomas Barnett credits it with making the world better, more peaceful, and even more equitable. In the future, he argues, it will continue to drive even more profound shifts in the way the world operates—with real challenges for American leadership and security.

​​Barnett is a strategic planner who has worked in United States national security affairs across his entire career. He also operates a consulting practice, Barnett Consulting LLC. A New York Times-bestselling author and nationally known public speaker who addresses government officials as a forecaster of global conflict and an expert on globalization. Barnett is the author of three bestselling books, including, “America's New Map: Restoring Our Global Leadership in an Era of Climate Change and Demographic Collapse,” which was released this year. Barnett was a Senior Strategic Researcher and Professor in the Warfare Analysis & Research Department, Center for Naval Warfare Studies, U.S. Naval War College, Newport RI. There, he taught and served – in a senior advisory role – military and civilian leaders in the Office of the Secretary of Defense, the Joint Staff, Central Command, Special Operations Command, and Joint Forces Command. He co-authored the U.S. Navy’s historic white paper From The Sea; and pioneering and managing CNAC’s contractual relationship with the U.S. Agency for International Development.