Benjamin Sutherland

Benjamin Sutherland is a distinguished voice on security issues for The Economist, where his insightful analyses illuminate the complexities of global safety and defense. His editorial prowess is evident in his work on “Modern Warfare, Intelligence and Deterrence,” an acclaimed Economist book that delves into the intricate world of weaponry, espionage, and international security. This influential publication has reached audiences worldwide, with five editions to its name, including a notable Chinese translation by Xinhua, China’s state media giant. Sutherland also contributed a thought-provoking chapter on the future of warfare for the Economist’s “Megatech: Technology in 2050,” showcasing his foresight in an ever-evolving landscape. He frequently shares his expertise on Economist podcasts, engaging listeners with his sharp commentary.

In addition to his writing, Sutherland is a passionate educator, teaching geopolitics courses to both graduate and undergraduate students. His academic journey has taken him to prestigious institutions, including H-Farm College near Venice, in collaboration with Britain’s University of Chichester, the Paris School of Business, and HEC-Paris, which has been recognized as the world’s top master’s program for management by QS World University Rankings. His courses explore the dynamic nature of geopolitical shifts, examining how business-driven globalization can help some societies transcend violent ethnic, ideological, and religious conflicts, while in other regions, rapid changes can provoke destabilizing reactions. Sutherland also shares his insights through lectures for the Smithsonian in central Europe and the Persian Gulf, focusing on the geopolitics of these vital areas.

Sutherland’s expertise has made him a sought-after speaker, educator, and moderator for various esteemed organizations. He has addressed Germany’s foreign ministry on innovation in arms control in Berlin, participated in the INNOVA-CON 2020 defense conference discussing the contrasting combat performances of Western and non-Western cultures, and lectured at Sciences Po in Paris on the geopolitics of trade. His presence has graced the RSA Conference in San Francisco, where he discussed innovations in cyber-attacks, and he has contributed to the Santa Barbara Writers Conference, Antioch University, the Zagreb School of Economics and Management, and the Scuola Holden in Turin, Italy, among others.

Earlier in his career, Sutherland honed his journalistic skills at Newsweek and served as a senior editor and head of research at COLORS magazine, where he led a diverse team of journalists and foreign correspondents. He co-directed the Sundance Channel documentary “Portrait of a Bookstore as an Old Man” and worked as a staff screenwriter at Cinemarket Productions in Paris. Fluent in French and Italian, and proficient in Spanish, Sutherland studied political sociology at the University of California at Santa Barbara, enriching his understanding of the intricate interplay between politics and society.