An expert panel discussion on the global rise of autocracies, effects on New Zealand and how citizens and societies can respond.

Organised by the New Zealand Institute of International Affairs (NZIIA) in collaboration with the Global Studies Programme at the University of Auckland. Featuring contributions by:

• Associate Professor Chris Ogden
• Associate Professor Timothy Kuhner
• Associate Professor Maria Armoudian
• Professor Jennifer Curtin

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This conversation occurred at the New Zealand Institute of International Affairs flagship conference in Wellington on June 2025. Climate change is one of the gravest threats to New Zealand’s security and prosperity, and ultimately our wellbeing. The New Zealand Government has three priorities in addressing this challenge, including climate diplomacy and international negotiations, supporting climate action and resilience in the Pacific region, and supporting a domestic transition at home.

But is what New Zealand and the global community doing sufficient? What more can be done to address and mitigate climate change internationally, while mitigating potential negative economic, social and environmental issues.

This expert group discusses such questions.

• Moderated by Esther Guy-Meakin, NZIIA Board
• Chlöe Swarbrick MP, Co-Leader of the Green Party of Aotearoa New Zealand
• Kate Wilson Butler, Chapman Tripp
• Kristy Harrison, Stantec

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This discussion occurred at the NZIIA flagship conference in Wellington in June 2025. The return of US President Donald Trump to the White House has created tumultuous news on a daily basis. The Administration’s approach to Ukraine, the Middle East, international trade, competition with China and reform of US Government institutions are creating shockwaves, and may have very long-lasting effects on the international system. The ‘reckons’ on where US foreign and trade policy are heading are everywhere. But how do we cut through all the noise to understand exactly where rhetoric differs from action? How are countries like New Zealand affected? And what should New Zealand and other countries and regions do to respond? This expert panel addresses these questions and more.

• Moderated by Emeritus Professor Roberto Rabel, Te Herenga Waka Victoria University of Wellington
• Professor Lise Howard, Georgetown University
• Derek Grossman, RAND Corporation (virtual)
• Emily Mosley, Australian Institute of International Affairs
• Professor Alan Tidwell, Georgetown University

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