Bret Stephens

EXCLUSIVE
  • Op-Ed Columnist, The New York Times
  • Pulitzer Prize Winner for Distinguished Commentary
  • Former Editor-in-Chief at The Jerusalem Post & Current Editor at Sapir
  • Former Deputy Editorial Page Editor & "Global Views" Columnist, The Wall Street Journal

U.S. foreign policy expert and highly awarded columnist Bret Stephens is renowned for his “incisive columns on American foreign policy and domestic politics, often enlivened by a contrarian twist.” Bret is an op-ed columnist for the New York Times after a long career with The Wall Street Journal, where he served as deputy editorial page editor and wrote the “Global View” foreign affairs column – for which he was awarded the 2013 Pulitzer Prize for distinguished commentary. He is the author of America in Retreat: The New Isolationism and Coming Global Disorder and is currently working on a book about the future of the free world. Audiences value Bret’s timely insights and “breath of fresh air” delivery, and he has been in-demand with groups including the American Technion Society, the Chief Executives Organization, the Jewish Federations of Northeastern New York and Chicago, Community Advocates, Inc., and many more.

In addition to his work at The Times, Bret serves as Editor-in-Chief of Sapir – a Jewish quarterly published by the Maimonides Fund which offers ideas for a thriving Jewish future. Previously, he was Editor-in-Chief of The Jerusalem Post. Bret is the recipient of numerous awards and distinctions, including three honorary doctorates and the Ellis Island Medal of Honor. In 2022, the government of Russia banned him for life from visiting that country. He sits on numerous academic advisory boards and was a co-Founder of the Renew Democracy Initiative – an organization dedicated to advancing democratic principles throughout the world. Bret consistently receives rave reviews for speaking engagements, such as: “Bret was TERRIFIC last night. We had a large crowd, his talk was superb, and he was a pleasure to deal with. It couldn't have gone more smoothly. You have a lot of happy customers in LA.” (Community Advocates, Inc.)

 


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Past Hosts Include:
  • Jewish United Fund, Chicago
  • A Law Firm
  • Jewish Federation of Chicago
  • American Friends of the Hebrew University
  • Jewish United Fund/Jewish Federation of Metropolitan Chicago
  • Jewish Federation of Northeastern New York
  • Jewish Federation of Northeastern New York
  • ADL
  • Arizona Jewish Historical Society
  • Cleveland Hillel
Rave Reviews About Bret Stephens
Bret was TERRIFIC last night. We had a large crowd, his talk was superb, he endured the questions and he was a pleasure to deal with. Thanks for making it all possible. It couldn't have gone more smoothly. You have a lot of happy customers in LA.

More rave reviews

"He was terrific. People really enjoyed listening to him and he kindly stayed after to have some more one-on-one conversations. A great speaker!"

-A Law Firm

"Bret was amazing! He energized our audience and was a needed voice at our first in person program in two years!"

-Jewish Alliance of Greater Rhode Island

"Just an unsurprising and probably boring note to let you know that Bret Stephens was great at our lake shore country club event Wednesday evening. He’s always great so I don’t feel like this adds anything new, but it’s still great to be able to confirm each and every time he speaks that he remains great. Some people who heard him there said it was the best they’ve ever heard him. Really the reviews were all raves. You know he is one of our favorites and he just never disappoints."

-Jewish Federation of Chicago

"What a GREAT job Bret did last night. Of course, he was eloquent and insightful (as we expected). But more impressively, he really catered what he spoke about to our group and spoke specifically about Israel and the Hebrew University, all with his own unique style and without offending anyone in our politically divided audience. We are aware that is not an easy task. He was a pleasure to have at the event and I would highly recommend him."

-American Friends of the Hebrew University

"Bret was outstanding. The only feedback is that he’s a wonderful, charming and eloquent speaker. Everyone was delighted with the evening. Thank you!!"

-Jewish United Fund/Jewish Federation of Metropolitan Chicago

"Everything went exceedingly well! Bret was extremely professional, kind, and flexible... many of our guests commented that he was the best speaker we have ever had! He had tremendous appeal with a wide-ranging audience."

-Jewish Federation of Northeastern New York

"Bret Stephens was fabulous last night!! He was thoughtful, articulate, and had elements of humor woven into his very serious talk about “anti-Semitism Today.” He kept his talk bi-partisan by calling out those on the left and the right. He also spotlighted ADL, often reminding our audience about ADL’s mission and purpose. Bret’s talk seemed to be positively received by our donors. He is brilliant!!! Thank you again for all your help in securing Bret Stephens for our ADL Lecture Series. It was a terrific evening!"

-ADL

"The event went really well! The guests were thrilled that Bret Stephens was out keynote speaker and the response to his speech was very positive."

-Arizona Jewish Historical Society

"The event went very well and Bret did an excellent job. His remarks were intelligent, well organized and thought provoking. He did a great job with the Q and A as well; making sure to actually answer each question (something I've noticed a lot of speakers rarely do)."

-Cleveland Hillel

"It was such a successful evening! The communitywide event ran smoothly, Bret’s talk was thought-provoking and the conversation between Bret and Eric was fluid and intriguing. The audience was captivated for the entire program."

-UJA Federation of New York

"Great Lecture! Bret is an engaging speaker and gave us the global perspective we requested. Everyone was very pleased!"

-Temple Anshe Emunim, Pittsfield, MA

"I just wanted to follow-up with you to let you know what a joy it was to have Bret Stephens speak at our event...He was on time, courteous and extremely friendly... We truly loved hearing him speak – it was interesting, timely and extremely on point with both our event and what’s going on in the world right now. We have gotten so much positive feedback from our dinner."

-American Friends of The Hebrew University

"Bret was remarkably thorough in his analysis of the political scene and his tone throughout was even-handed to facilitate understanding among even the most partisan in attendance. His willingness to extend the timing for the Q&A and book signing to address the multitude of questions was very kind-I know it had already been a long day. And Bret was also very entertaining!"

-Congregation Beth Shalom Northbrook

"We really enjoyed having Bret speak to CEO last month. Bret was received very well by our Members. We do have audience members rate the event’s speakers and Bret a 9.5/10. I was managing a different education room onsite so I unfortunately did not get to hear his presentation, but I heard the buzz from attendees that they really enjoyed the session."

-Chief Executives Organization

"The event went very, very well! We had over 350 people in attendance. It was always our desire to bring to the CBI family -- as well as to the larger Jewish community -- a speaker of note who would provide a fresh view of the world as it concerns us, who exhibits clarity of thought, knowledge and experience that was different than the usual conversation to which we are often exposed. The presentation by Bret succeeded in doing just that! His humor, intellect and delivery was fresh and compelling. He was gracious and welcoming. Bret arrived early and was pleasant and easy going. We are grateful for the "meet and greet" time prior to the presentation. Bret was truly a pleasure to host."

-Congregation Bnai Israel

"Everything went perfectly and the event was a huge success. Everyone loved Bret. He spoke beautifully and mingled with the guests at the buffet dinner reception."

-Gratz College

"Everything was great! He did a tremendous job: timely, relevant, entertaining, engaging and educational. He was wonderful in greeting our leadership and made a truly positive impact on the Atlanta community in attendance."

-AJC Atlanta

"Bret Stephens was amazing. He received a standing ovation. "

-United Jewish Appeal of Greater Toronto

"The event was excellent! Bret was wonderful at the small pre-reception at 10:30 and he was fabulous for his keynote and the q and a portion we had with our moderator. Bret is always a breath of fresh air, and was an important voice for this community to hear."

-American Jewish Committee

"It's a real pleasure to let you know that all went very well. People loved Bret and he gave all of himself... Above and beyond. Evening was a smash success. "

-American Technion Society
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Bret Stephens - The critical issues facing the world today | Rancho Mirage Writers Festival - Get Sharable Link
Talks & Conversations with Bret Stephens
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U.S. Foreign Policy and the World

Heralded as a foreign policy expert, Bret Stephens speaks about U.S. foreign policy and the forces that are shaping the world. BRET STEPHENS offers an international perspective, with an eye toward the myriad issues shaping the conversation about Israel as well as the Middle East, offering significan ...

Heralded as a foreign policy expert, Bret Stephens speaks about U.S. foreign policy and the forces that are shaping the world. BRET STEPHENS offers an international perspective, with an eye toward the myriad issues shaping the conversation about Israel as well as the Middle East, offering significant and timely insights and a “breath of fresh air” delivery appreciated by audiences.

Reflecting on Israel and the Jewish American Community on Israel’s 75th Birthday

With the approaching 75th anniversary of the historic establishment of Israel, foreign policy expert BRET STEPHENS reflects on the connection between Israel and the American and global Jewish communities in this sought-after talk. ...

With the approaching 75th anniversary of the historic establishment of Israel, foreign policy expert BRET STEPHENS reflects on the connection between Israel and the American and global Jewish communities in this sought-after talk.

Israel and the Impact on the Middle East

Pulitzer Prize-winner and celebrated columnist BRET STEPHENS is a leading foreign policy expert and offers significant insights about Israel, from the recent elections to the implications of issues shaping the Middle East and beyond. ...

Pulitzer Prize-winner and celebrated columnist BRET STEPHENS is a leading foreign policy expert and offers significant insights about Israel, from the recent elections to the implications of issues shaping the Middle East and beyond.

Journalism and the State of Our Democracy

Celebrated columnist and Pulitzer Prize-winner BRET STEPHENS offers a unique perspective on the role of journalism in politics and the state of our democracy overall. Speaking from the point of view of a leading conservative, Bret balances a bi-partisan and nuanced conversation in his talks that is ...

Celebrated columnist and Pulitzer Prize-winner BRET STEPHENS offers a unique perspective on the role of journalism in politics and the state of our democracy overall. Speaking from the point of view of a leading conservative, Bret balances a bi-partisan and nuanced conversation in his talks that is valued by audiences and meeting planners.

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Speaker News

Bret Stephens’ column for the New York Times covers foreign policy, domestic politics and cultural issues

Commentator BRET STEPHENS believes in free enterprise, free trade, free speech, and the need to safeguard the institutions of democracy at home and abroad. Stephens has written about everything from China’s long-term decline to the enduring relevance of Edmund Burke to my grandmother’s advice about sex to my misgivings about The Times’s 1619 Project. Here are some of his recent hits:

Read Bret Stephens’ New York Times column here >>

Leading conservative voice Bret Stephens delivers shrewd insights with candor for audiences seeking a nuanced conversation

You don’t get to be a Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist without ruffling some feathers. New York Times columnist BRET STEPHENS writes and speaks on issues as a leading conservative voice, often finding himself at odds with both extremes of the political spectrum and beloved by those prepared for nuanced debate. After rising to to prominence at The Wall Street Journal, where he was awarded a Pulitzer Prize for Distinguished Commentary, Stephens boldly dissects the state of conversations, offering timely insights with a “breath of fresh air” delivery and providing candid commentary on breaking news and top policy concerns.

The best endorsements of Bret come from meeting planners: "Bret Stephens was fabulous last night!! He was thoughtful, articulate, and had elements of humor woven into his very serious talk. He kept his talk bipartisan by calling out those on the left and the right. He is brilliant!!! It was a terrific evening!" (ADL) and “Bret was TERRIFIC last night. We had a large crowd, his talk was superb, and he was a pleasure to deal with. It couldn't have gone more smoothly. You have a lot of happy customers in LA.” (Community Advocates, Inc.)

Watch Bret Stephens on Talks with Goldman Sachs >>

Watch Bret Stephens at The 92nd Street Y >>

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Books by Bret Stephens
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Ideas for the Meeting Planner
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Biography

Bret Stephens is an Op-Ed columnist for the New York Times.

Bret came to The Times in 2017 after a long career with The Wall Street Journal, where he was most recently deputy editorial page editor and, for 11 years, a foreign affairs columnist. Before that, he was editor-in-chief of The Jerusalem Post, a position he assumed in 2002 at age 28. At The Post he oversaw the paper's news, editorial, digital, and international operations, and also wrote a weekly column. He has reported from around the world and interviewed scores of world leaders.

Bret is the author of America in Retreat: The New Isolationism and the Coming Global Disorder, released in November 2014, and is currently working on a book about the free world. He is the recipient of numerous awards and distinctions, including three honorary doctorates, the Ellis Island Medal of Honor, and the 2013 Pulitzer Prize for commentary. In 2022, the government of Russia banned him for life from visiting that country.

In addition to his work at The Times, in 2021 Bret became editor-in-chief of Sapir (sapirjournal.org), a Jewish quarterly published by the Maimonides Fund. The mission of Sapir is to offer ideas for a thriving Jewish future. He is also currently at work on a book about the future of the free world.

Bret was raised in Mexico City and holds a B.A. from the University of Chicago and an MSc. from the London School of Economics. He sits on numerous academic advisory boards and was a co-founder, with Garry Kasparov, of the Renew Democracy Initiative, an organization dedicated to advancing democratic principles throughout the world.

He and his wife, Corinna da Fonseca-Wollheim, a music critic and entrepreneur, live near New York City and have three children.