The NZIIA Podcast
Welcome to the podcast of the New Zealand Institute of International Affairs (NZIIA). Here we foster expert discussion of international affairs, especially as they relate to Aotearoa New Zealand. These are the views of those speaking, and not of the Institute. To find out more visit www.nziia.org.nz.
The NZIIA Podcast
A changing international (dis)order: implications for New Zealand & the region
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 Canterbury
- Professor Caitlin Byrne, Griffith University
- Zichen Wang, Founder, Center For China and Globalization
- Professor Lise Howard, Georgetown University
- Abhishek Sharma, Observer Research Foundation