26 – 28 June 2015
In the last five decades, New Zealand – a sparsely populated and geographically isolated society - has faced a period of substantial international readjustment.
The advent of globalization has coincided with profound changes in New Zealand’s national identity and its role in the world. These include the adoption of a non-nuclear and regionally focused security policy, sweeping deregulation of the economy, recognition of the special constitutional and cultural position of Māori people, new trade and diplomatic links with the Asia-Pacific region, and the gradual attainment of close ties with two superpowers, the United States and China.
At the same time, New Zealand has seen a sharp rise of income inequality, increased costs in the provision of housing and education, mounting concerns about environmental decline, and growing fears that the country’s sovereignty is being eroded by New Zealand’s participation in multilateral trade deals and multinational intelligence-sharing arrangements.
The evolving and contested international relations of New Zealand is the central focus of the 50th University of Otago Foreign Policy School.
The venue is St Margaret’s College, 333 Leith St, Dunedin, University of Otago campus.
The School begins Friday evening at 5:30 pm with a cocktail function and opening by the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Hon. Murray McCully, and finishes Sunday at 4:45 pm.
Co-Directors
- Professor Robert Patman Department of Politics
- Dr Iati Iati Department of Politics
Sponsors
The organisers gratefully acknowledge the assistance of the following organisations and agencies:
- Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade
- The Australian High Commission
- University of Otago
