Examining Perceptions of Chinese Influence in New Zealand and the Future of the International Order

Venue: MY 632, Murphy Building, Kelburn Campus, Victoria University (map)

Historically, great powers have used their outsized economic, political and cultural might to extend their influence around the world, thus perpetuating their supremacy.

As such, China’s emergence as a preeminent global power has led observers toquestion the nature of contemporary Chinese influence: what does one mean byinfluence per se, what forms has it taken, and is there legitimatereason for concern?

This presentation will address recent debates regardingperceived Chinese influence-building activities in New Zealand, contextualizingthese conversations within a larger, rapidly-intensifying dialogue among keycountries in the Asia-Pacific region and beyond (such as Australia and theUnited States).

Travis Gidado is a Yenching Scholar at Peking University studying International Relations and Politics. A graduate of Yale University and King's College, Cambridge, Travis joined the New Zealand Contemporary China Research Center as a Visiting Research Fellow focusing on New Zealand's evolving relationship with China and the United States. Professionally, Travis has worked in various roles at the intersection of business and public policy, with previous stints at The White House, UK Cabinet Office, Atlantic Media, Goldman Sachs, and the Center for Strategic and International Studies. Most recently, Travis worked on healthcare regulation and strategic business development projects for Veyo Care GmbH, a Berlin-based startup.

Read more on the New Zealand Contemporary China Research Centre website

If you are interested to attend this seminar, please email Lai Ching at laiching.tan@vuw.ac.nz or call 04 463 9549 to register.