LONDON — Australian Institute of International Affairs (AIIA) National President Dr Heather Smith PSM FAIIA met with Ben Bland, Director of the Asia-Pacific Programme at Chatham House. Their conversation ranged across contemporary global and regional issues, including the Indo-Pacific, Europe’s shifting strategic priorities, US-China relations, and the importance of coalition building in navigating today’s complex international environment.
Reflecting on the meeting, Dr Smith said: “It is great to see Chatham House fostering such deep knowledge on our region. Their analysis adds real value to the international conversation and helps strengthen understanding of the Indo-Pacific’s central role in global affairs.”
The AIIA and Chatham House share a deep historical connection, with AIIA branches founded from 1924 as part of the original network of institutes of international affairs headquartered at the London-based Royal Institute of International Affairs. The meeting served as another point of contact in this long-standing relationship, with both institutes dedicated to promoting informed debate and analysis on international affairs.
In addition to its important work informing Australians about international affairs, the AIIA works tirelessly to ensure Australian perspectives are present in the discussion of international affairs overseas.
