Heino Klinck is a global strategist, business executive, retired U.S. Army Colonel, former diplomat, and international policy expert. His extensive experience includes 2+ decades abroad; leading global strategy efforts in a Fortune 100 company; senior political-military roles in the Pentagon; analytical and operational responsibilities in the intelligence community; and multiple diplomatic postings in Asia and Europe.

Heino is an acknowledged Sinologist as well as trans-Atlanticist with decades of experience in managing critical aspects of allied relationships in addressing common security challenges. A seasoned expert in the elements of national power (diplomatic, informational, military, and economic), he has a unique combination of relevant public and private sector expertise. He is frequently cited in global media on Great Power Competition with China and Russia. He is regularly sought-out to speak at conferences, universities, and think tanks worldwide.

As the Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense for East Asia, Heino devised and implemented U.S. defense policy in a portfolio of 20+ countries; advised the Secretary of Defense; and led sensitive negotiations with foreign allies and partners.

His military career culminated as the Director of Army International Affairs where he was the senior advisor on geo-political, foreign affairs, and international security issues. Heino was one of the longest serving military attachés in China. His foreign policy expertise was honed through repetitive assignments in and deployments to Asia, Europe, the Western Hemisphere, and the Middle East.

Heino was educated at U.S., British, Italian, and Chinese universities and speaks multiple foreign languages.

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Europe

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• Transatlantic Approaches to Global Challenges – NATO, the EU, and more
Learn about the institutional linkages that enable U.S.-European partnership

• The Baltics – a History of Shifting Borders and Shifting Power
An introduction to the historical legacies driving political and security developments

• The Mediterranean – The West’s Front Door to the Middle East and Africa
Discover how the intersection of three continents impacts Europe

• The Black Sea - Crossroads of Conflict, from the Crimean War to Putin’s Crises
Learn about how conflicts of the past are still casting a shadow today

• The War in Ukraine – The Strategic Context and an Operational Update
Why and how this regional conflict has global implications.
How’s the war progressing? An update from the battlefield.

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Asia

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• America’s Partners in Asia – In Turbulent Times, It’s Good to Have Friends
Maneuvering together in changing circumstances, America’s friends, especially Japan, are critical for peace and prosperity.
An introduction to the most significant alliances of the U.S.

• Taiwan – Beacon of Freedom or Just Another Chinese Province?
Shining brightly in gathering gloom, Taiwan’s vibrant democracy is a beacon, but how bright depends on your point of view.
A primer on Taiwan’s evolution from authoritarianism to vibrant democracy.

• The Rise of China – Cooperation, Compromise, or Confrontation?
China’s power and influence demand attention, but knowing what kind and when is a tough challenge.
Where cooperation with China is essential and where confrontation is warranted.

• An Axis of Authoritarianism? - Chinese and Russian Cooperation in the 21st Century
Asserting power in myriad ways, both Moscow and Beijing present unique challenges, but will their emerging cooperation tip the scales?
The historic ups and downs in the Sino-Russian relationship.

• The South China Sea – A Global Sea or a Chinese Lake?
Attempting to dominate this congested waterway, China is creating a new regional dynamic, but one with global consequences.
The so-called “Cow’s Tongue” - an overview of tensions and territorial claims in the one of the most congested waterways in the world.

• Southeast Asia – Harnessing the Dynamism of Diversity
The centrality of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) - discover how SE Asian countries engage politically, diplomatically,
and economically.
Challenges and limitations in finding regional consensus.

• National Security – Pacific Island Perspectives
Hear about national security priorities from the standpoint of Pacific Island Countries. Examine the role this region plays in an era of Great
Power Competition.

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Middle East/Africa
• The Middle East – War, Peace, and Great Power Competition
Discover how post-colonialism and realpolitik continue to impact regional affairs.
An introduction to the issues that have led to conflict as well as prospects for peace.

• America’s Regional Partners in the Middle East and North Africa– In Turbulent Times, It’s Good to Have Friends
Maneuvering together in changing circumstances, America’s friends, especially Israel and Egypt, are critical for peace and prosperity.
An introduction to the most significant regional alliances of the U.S.

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South America

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• From Bolivar to Bolsonaro – South America’s Role in World Affairs
An introduction to the revolutionary and evolutionary impact of Latin America in the world

• Regional Cleavages and the Role of Outside Actors - South American priorities and the impact of major powers
Learn how the region is not a monolith and how great powers have historically leveraged regional differences

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American Foreign Policy in Action – the Structure and Function of a U.S. Embassy Abroad

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• The primary functions of an Embassy in a foreign country.
• The organization and personnel of an Embassy.

Heino previously spoke on the following:

1. Azamara Quest's Springtime in Asia voyage, April 18 - May 5, 2023. His presentations included:

America’s Partners in Asia – In Turbulent Times, It’s Good to Have Friends
Maneuvering together in changing circumstances, America’s friends, especially Japan, are critical for peace and prosperity.

Taiwan – Beacon of Freedom or Just Another Chinese Province?
Shining brightly in gathering gloom, Taiwan’s vibrant democracy is a beacon, but how bright depends on your point of view.

The Rise of China – Cooperation, Compromise, or Confrontation?
China’s power and influence demand attention but knowing what kind and when is a tough challenge.

An Axis of Authoritarianism? – Chinese and Russian Cooperation in the 21st Century
Asserting power in myriad ways, both Moscow and Beijing present unique challenges, but will their emerging cooperation tip the scales?

The South China Sea – A Global Sea or a Chinese Lake?
Attempting to dominate this congested waterway, China is creating a new regional dynamic but one with global consequences.

Southeast Asia – Harnessing the Dynamism of Diversity
The centrality of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) - discover how Southeast Asian countries engage politically, diplomatically, and economically.

American Foreign Policy in Action – The Country Team at Its Core
Acting by, with, and through the Ambassador, the entire U.S. government team fans out from the embassy in pursuit of partnership.

2. Azamara Journey's Ancient Trade Routes voyage, October 27 - November 13, 2023. His presentations included:

The Mediterranean – Crossroads of History, Culture, and Geopolitics
Learn how the Med has been and still remains a critical theater for regional and global affairs.
Understanding regional dynamics with international implications

Transatlantic Approaches to Global Challenges
A primer on NATO and the European Union.
The institutional linkages that enable U.S.-European partnership

America’s Regional Partners in the Middle East and North Africa– In Turbulent Times, It’s Good to Have Friends
Maneuvering together in changing circumstances, America’s friends, especially Israel and Egypt, are critical for peace and prosperity.
An introduction to the most significant regional alliances of the U.S.

The Middle East – War, Peace, and Great Power Competition
Discover how post-colonialism and realpolitik continue to impact regional affairs.
An introduction to the issues that have led to conflict as well as prospects for peace.

The War in Ukraine – The Strategic Context and an Operational Update
Why and how this regional conflict has global implications.
How’s the war progressing? An update from the battlefield.

3. Azamara Onward's Kiwis and Koalas voyage, February 15 - March 1, 2024. His presentations included:

National Security – Pacific Island Perspectives
Hear about national security priorities from the standpoint of Pacific Island Countries. Examine the role this region plays in an era of Great Power Competition.