AIIA National Conference 2026
The AIIA National Conference 2026, hosted in Canberra, AUS, serves as a pivotal forum for discussing international affairs. This event brings together experts and policymakers to deliberate on critical global issues, offering a platform for in-depth analysis and strategic foresight. Given its location, the conference is uniquely positioned to address the evolving geopolitical landscape from an Oceanic perspective.
Committees & topics
Topics
Australian Foreign Policy in a Contested Indo-Pacific · International Affairs: Order, Institutions and Contestation · International Relations: Great-Power Competition and Middle-Power Strategy · Geopolitics of the Indo-Pacific and Beyond · Security: Deterrence, Emerging Domains and Hybrid Threats · Trade, Economic Security and the Fragmenting Global Economy · The Australia-China Relationship
Why it matters
The conference's significance stems from its role in fostering informed discourse on international relations. In an era marked by rapid geopolitical shifts and complex global challenges, such gatherings are essential for shaping policy and promoting understanding among nations. The discussions held here contribute to a nuanced comprehension of global dynamics, which is crucial for effective diplomacy and international cooperation.
Furthermore, the event provides an opportunity to explore how various international actors perceive and respond to contemporary challenges. This includes examining the interplay of national interests, regional security concerns, and global governance frameworks. The insights generated can inform future policy directions and contribute to more stable and prosperous international relations.
How to prepare
To effectively engage with the themes presented at the conference, delegates should undertake a comprehensive review of contemporary international relations theory and practice. A strong grasp of concepts such as "dynamic analysis" and "engagement strategies" will be particularly beneficial. Understanding the nuances of international diplomacy and the various approaches to conflict resolution will also enhance participation.
Attendees should also consider how different stakeholders, including those often overlooked or considered "hidden stakeholders," influence global events. Applying frameworks like "stakeholder mapping workshop" can help in identifying key actors and understanding their motivations. This preparation will enable delegates to contribute meaningfully to discussions and gain maximum value from the expert insights shared at the conference.
Country perspectives
Where the most-relevant 1 countries stand on the core issues in play. Click through for the full country profile.
Topics & background
The background behind each topic and the actors that shape it.
Australian Foreign Policy in a Contested Indo-Pacific
Key players
AustraliaSubject state setting and executing foreign policy across alliance, regional, and multilateral tracks.
United StatesTreaty ally under ANZUS and AUKUS partner shaping Australia's strategic posture.
ChinaLargest trading partner and principal source of strategic concern in the Indo-Pacific.
JapanQuad partner and reciprocal access country deepening defence and economic cooperation.
IndonesiaKey regional neighbour and partner under the 2024 Defence Cooperation Agreement.
United KingdomAUKUS partner central to the nuclear-powered submarine pathway.
International Affairs: Order, Institutions and Contestation
Key players
- United States
Principal architect of the postwar order, now recalibrating its commitments under renewed unilateralist pressures.
- China
Leading challenger and reformer of global governance, promoting alternative initiatives and institutions.
RussiaRevisionist permanent member whose actions in Ukraine have tested Charter norms.
IndiaRising power leading Global South claims for institutional reform and strategic autonomy.
BrazilG20 and BRICS convenor pushing reform of finance, climate and security architectures.
- Australia
Middle power advocate for a rules-based order and selective multilateral reform.
International Relations: Great-Power Competition and Middle-Power Strategy
Key players
- United States
Leading pole organising alliances and technology coalitions against strategic competitors.
- China
Principal challenger expanding influence through BRI, BRICS+ and security initiatives.
- Russia
Disruptive actor aligning with non-Western partners across Eurasia and Africa.
- India
Multi-aligned major power pursuing strategic autonomy and Quad participation.
- Japan
Major US ally driving Indo-Pacific architecture and economic security frameworks.
- Australia
Middle power balancing US alliance with regional engagement in Southeast Asia and the Pacific.
Geopolitics of the Indo-Pacific and Beyond
Key players
- United States
Global balancer maintaining forward presence across the Indo-Pacific, Europe and the Middle East.
- China
Revisionist regional power expanding maritime, economic and military reach.
- Russia
Eurasian power prosecuting war in Ukraine and projecting influence into Africa and the Middle East.
- India
Indian Ocean anchor and Quad member shaping the southern arc of the Indo-Pacific.
- Japan
Frontline US ally driving regional deterrence and economic statecraft.
- Australia
Southern anchor of Indo-Pacific strategy and lead partner in the Pacific Islands region.
Security: Deterrence, Emerging Domains and Hybrid Threats
Key players
- United States
Lead provider of extended deterrence and steward of AUKUS and allied technology coalitions.
- China
Principal pacing challenge driving regional and nuclear posture debates.
- Russia
Active belligerent in Ukraine and source of nuclear signalling and hybrid operations.
North KoreaNuclear-armed proliferator increasing missile testing and cooperation with Russia.
IranRegional power leveraging proxies and advancing its nuclear programme.
- Australia
Implementing a strategy of denial through AUKUS, long-range strike and northern basing.
Trade, Economic Security and the Fragmenting Global Economy
Key players
- United States
Architect of new industrial policy and export controls reshaping global trade rules.
- China
World's largest manufacturing exporter and central node in critical supply chains.
- Australia
Resource exporter and critical minerals supplier deepening trade ties across the Indo-Pacific.
- Japan
CPTPP leader and key partner in economic security coordination.
GermanyLeading EU economy navigating de-risking with China and transatlantic frictions.
- India
Major emerging market and PLI-driven manufacturing hub negotiating selective trade openings.
The Australia-China Relationship
Key players
- Australia
Pursuing stabilisation with China while deepening alliance and regional hedging.
- China
Largest trading partner and principal strategic competitor for Australia in the Indo-Pacific.
- United States
Treaty ally whose competition with China shapes Canberra's strategic choices.
- Japan
Key partner in Indo-Pacific coordination and economic security responses to China.
- United Kingdom
AUKUS partner reinforcing Australia's long-term capability balance vis-à-vis China.
TaiwanUnofficial partner and potential flashpoint central to Australia's regional risk calculus.
Resources
News, lessons, and country profiles to prep for AIIA National Conference 2026.
Lessons
Bite-sized lessons to build the basics
Courses
Guided courses that go deeper on the topic
The states in play, with the data that shapes their stance
Related conferences
By committee
- Australian Foreign Policy in a Contested Indo-Pacific
- International Affairs: Order, Institutions and Contestation
- International Relations: Great-Power Competition and Middle-Power Strategy
- Geopolitics of the Indo-Pacific and Beyond
- Security: Deterrence, Emerging Domains and Hybrid Threats
- Trade, Economic Security and the Fragmenting Global Economy
- The Australia-China Relationship