Chatham House Addresses Critical Global Issues in 2026

The Importance of Chatham House in International Affairs

Chatham House, the Royal Institute of International Affairs, is an independent policy institute based in London. In 2026, the think tank continues to play a vital role in addressing the world’s most pressing geopolitical challenges. In 2025, Chatham House hosted over 250 events with 26,000 attendees from across the world. As global tensions escalate and the international order faces unprecedented strain, the institute’s independent analysis has become increasingly relevant for policymakers, business leaders, and citizens seeking to understand complex global dynamics.

Responding to Current Global Crises

Chatham House experts are actively analysing critical developments shaping 2026. On 3 January, US President Donald Trump announced a large-scale strike on Venezuela and stated that the US had captured Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro, with Trump saying the US was ‘going to run the country’ until a transition could be safely arranged. The institute’s international law experts have provided crucial commentary on this intervention, with analysis suggesting this may be the moment when Western Europe realizes that the US has abandoned the core values that united them for the past century.

Beyond Venezuela, a New Centre, led by Dr Samir Puri, will see four Chatham House programmes collaborate on research to improve and reform global institutions. This initiative reflects the institute’s commitment to addressing institutional fragility in an era of geopolitical competition.

Looking Ahead: Security and Defence in 2026

The security and defence landscape of 2026 is defined by changing global norms, with repercussions of increased spending commitments, strategic realignments and the testing of established structures compounded by volatile situations on the ground. Chatham House is convening senior policymakers and international security experts at its Security and Defence 2026 conference in February to address these challenges.

Significance for Global Audiences

Each Chatham House session provides clear, balanced insight to help audiences understand the forces influencing world events, with participants gaining evidence-based perspectives, practical analysis and the latest thinking across a broad range of topics and regions. As international crises multiply and traditional alliances face strain, the institute’s role as a trusted forum for dialogue becomes ever more critical for building a more secure and prosperous world.