This discussion occurred at the NZIIA Conference in Wellington in June 2025. For decades, New Zealand’s approach to international relations has been driven by a pursuit of multilateralism, collective security and free trade. Since the end of the Cold War, this has been enabled to some extent by the pre-eminence of US power. However, the international order and the institutions underpinning it, are changing. The rise of China and other Asian powers is altering international affairs in profound ways, sparking competition and instability. Erosion of democratic norms and authoritarianism is also making indelible marks on world affairs. Likewise, conflict in Ukraine, the Middle East and North Africa, Myanmar and elsewhere are inflicting damage and trauma, and challenging the rest of the world to act. This expert panel assesses where the international system is heading, and what liberal democracies like New Zealand can do in response.Moderated by Dr Serena Kelly, University of CanterburyProfessor Caitlin Byrne, Griffith UniversityZichen Wang, Founder, Center For China and GlobalizationProfessor Lise Howard, Georgetown UniversityAbhishek Sharma, Observer Research FoundationSupport the show

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