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New Director of Chatham House Africa Programme announced

Source: Chatham House –

New Director of Chatham House Africa Programme announced
News release
jon.wallace

Tighisti Amare has been appointed to lead our highly respected Africa Programme.

Chatham House is pleased to announce the appointment of Tighisti Amare as Programme Director of its Africa Programme. Tighisti will take up the role in August 2025.

With over 15 years of experience at the Institute, Tighisti has played a pivotal role in shaping the Africa Programme’s research agenda and external engagement. 

Most recently serving as Deputy Director, she has led major research initiatives, convened high-level dialogues with African and international policymakers, and collaborated extensively with international organizations, civil society, business leaders, media, and academic institutions.

Tighisti will take over the reins of the programme from Dr Alex Vines OBE who is stepping down this year. He led the programme since 2002, building it up to be a recognized and highly respected name and brand across the continent.

Director and CEO of Chatham House Bronwen Maddox said: 

‘The Africa Programme is a vital part of Chatham House’s global research agenda, contributing important perspectives on the continent’s political, economic, and strategic developments. Tighisti has been instrumental in shaping its development. 

‘I am in no doubt that under her able leadership, the programme will continue to deepen understanding of Africa’s evolving role in international affairs and global governance during what is a critical and exciting period.’

Tighisti’s research interests include Africa in global governance, multilateralism, Africa–Europe relations, geopolitical realignment, and regional integration. 

Her recent publications explore African responses to multipolarity, the future of the continent’s engagement with the Commonwealth, and the role of soft power in UK–Africa relations.  

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Asia Pacific programme hosts event on Japanese foreign policy during the second Trump administration

Source: Chatham House –

Asia Pacific programme hosts event on Japanese foreign policy during the second Trump administration
News release
jon.wallace

The event, the second in a series held at Japan House in London, discussed the impact of President Trump’s new administration on Japanese domestic politics and foreign policy.

Ben Bland, Director of Chatham House’s Asia-Pacific Programme, chaired an event at Japan House on 11 February 2025 to discuss Japanese foreign policy at a time of minority government in Tokyo and a new Trump administration in Washington. 

The event also discussed related issues including the Japan–China relationship, the impact of the ongoing political crisis in South Korea and broader security connections between Europe and the Indo-Pacific.

Speaking at the event were Kanehara Nobukatsu, chief cabinet secretary to the prime minister of Japan from 2012-19; Tsuruoka Michito, an associate professor in the Faculty of Policy Management at Keio University; and Kristi Govella, an associate professor of Japanese politics and international relations at the University of Oxford.

Ben Bland said:

‘The return of Donald Trump to the White House has brought added turbulence to an already contested Indo-Pacific, making it an important time discuss the impact on Japan and its relations with key partners in the region. 

‘We are grateful to Japan House London for enabling us to host this timely discussion at their venue, and for giving us the opportunity to connect with a new network of individuals following events in Asia.’

Watch the event in full here.