In Episode 153 of the No Limitations podcast Phoenix From The Ashes, Blenheim Partners’ Gregory Robinson speaks with James P. Farwell, Senior Fellow at Sympodium-Institute for Strategic Communications (London).

 

In an absorbing discussion, James contends that the world today is adrift and in need of a course to steer. Drawing on his background as a political, corporate, communications and national security advisor, James asserts that Donald Trump has used tariffs as an instrument of “purposeful unpredictability” and as a potent negotiating tactic. Turning to China, James believes that Xi Jinping is establishing total control over the Chinese Communist Party, the government and the military, and that Vladimir Putin is seeking to follow in the footsteps of Peter the Great in making Russia a dominant hegemonic power once again. James discusses a range of other interesting topics including cybersecurity, irregular warfare, his fascination with UFOs, and his recent engagement with the film industry in Hollywood. He finishes with a stirring conclusion about the nature of leadership centred around character, integrity and excellence in a thought-provoking conversation.

 

Earlier in his career, James was a Partner at Chaffe McCall law firm in New Orleans. Thereafter, and for over three decades, James has operated his own consultancy, The Farwell Group, through which he has advised United States and overseas presidential campaigns, gubernatorial candidates from Oklahoma, California, and Arkansas, and legislative candidates from Bermuda, Greece and Korea. James is also a Senior Fellow at the Institute for Biodefense Research. James was previously an Associate Fellow at the Centre for Strategic Communications, Department of War Studies at King’s College in London and a Non-Resident Senior Fellow at the Middle East Logistics High Institute. A talented and prolific writer, James has nearly 130 publications to his name, spanning national security, corporate strategy, communications, cyberwarfare, and creative works including a West End musical and several films in the making.

 

Please note: this episode was recorded on 23 April 2025.

 

Disclaimer: the opinions expressed in this podcast are James’ own and do not represent those of the United States government.

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