Beyond Borders by the Aspen Institute New Zealand Aspen Institute New Zealand

Gain valuable insights and explore the nuanced dynamics of NZ-India relations as Sir Anand Satyanand, former Governor General of NZ, sets the stage for elevating the economic and security partnership between the two nations.
Our knowledgeable panellists, including David Pine, NZ's High Commissioner to India, Indrani Bagchi, CEO of Ananta Aspen Centre, and Dr. Jagannath Panda, Head of the Stockholm Center for South Asian and Indo-Pacific Affairs, delve into critical aspects of the bilateral relationship and explore numerous areas and opportunities to develop it further.

Join us for the final forum in the 2023 Aspen Summer Series on Geopolitcal Challenges as we delve into one of the most critical issues of our era: the shifting landscape of Great Power Rivalry. Hear from our expert panellists Robert Patman from the University of Otago, Rosemary Banks, former NZ Ambassador to the US, and Tom Udall, current US Ambassador to NZ, to gain a deeper understanding of the challenges and opportunities presented by Great Power Rivalry in the 21st century, and what they mean for New Zealand. The "AAA-rated" panel was moderated by former NZ Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs, Sir Don McKinnon. Tune in to learn more and gain invaluable insights into this pressing issue of our time.

In the second forum of the Aspen Summer Series on Geopolitical Challenges, our expert panellists Simon Draper (Director, Asia New Zealand Foundation) and John McKinnon (Chair, NZ China Council) and moderator SungYong Lee (Assoc Professor, National Centre for Peace and Conflict Studies, University of Otago) explore the complexities of China's relationships with its North Asian neighbours and beyond, as well as the potential trade implications for New Zealand. The panellists also delve into the pressing need for NZ to remain engaged and responsive to the changing dynamics in the region beyond China's assertiveness and discuss the importance of forming like-minded partnerships whilst engaging in conversations about the critical role Asia will play in shaping New Zealand's future.

The 2023 Aspen Summer Series on Geopolitical Challenges kicked off with a deep dive into the power, economic and security challenges in the Indo Pacific. With New Zealand's top experts on the Indo Pacific region, Suzannah Jessep, Nicholas Khoo and Natasha Hamilton-Hart, the forum was skillfully moderated by Alan Bollard. The audience was treated to a dynamic and candid conversation on the complexities and nuances in the region, which is now materially different from the early 2000s, with the rise of China, the emergence of India as a significant power, and the shifting US alliance network. Undisputed was the recognition of the importance of the Indo Pacific to NZ’s future and that NZ’s engagement was lagging.
The forum was the first of three in the series, with North Asia and Great Power Rivalry to follow.