2025
Theme:
Mosaic of Powers: Geopolitical Dynamics from Asia to the Middle EastFebruary: Special Topic
Geopolitical Shifts: Iran's Impact on Middle Eastern Dynamics
February 27 | 8am NZT
Virtual
Facilitator: MGen Gert-Johannes Hagemann (Ret)
Speakers: Lt Col Shaul Bartal, Research Associate, Begin-Sadat Center for Strategic Studies
Ryan Bohl, senior Analyst, RANEOpening Remarks: Prof Dr Anita Abbott
February: 30 Minute Strategic Lens
The Taiwan Card and Diplomatic Calculations: Strategies Amid China Relations
February 27 | 8pm NZT
Virtual
Facilitator: Professor Stephen Nagy, National Chung Hsing University
Speaker: Professor Mumin Chen, International Christian University, Tokyo
March: Strategic Lens Discussion
Forging a New Path: Europe’s Indo-Pacific Strategy Amid Shifting US Priorities
By invitation only
March 19th
Facilitator: Dr Gabriel Honrada
Contributors:
- MGen Gert-Johannes Hagemann (Ret)
- LtGen Francesco Diella (Ret)
April: Geopolitics Today Discussion Series
Strategic Autonomy and Indo-Pacific Security: Adapting to Shifting Alliances
April 16 | 6 pm NZT Virtual (by invitation only)
Moderator: Brett Murphy
Contributors
MGen Karsten Stoye, Head of Civil-Military Cooperation and Military Advisor to the Director General EUROCONTROL
General Sir James Everard, Lead Senior Mentor, NATO Allied Command Operations
Prince Michael von Liechtenstein, Executive Chairman and Founder Geopolitical Intelligence Services
Mark Cameron, the Defense Spokesperson for the Act Party
May: Strategic Lens Discussion
Shaping Asia: How U.S. Views on Defense Impact the Region
May 13th | 8 AM NZT Virtual (by invitation only)
Lead Discussant: Adj Prof David Jonas
Contributors:
LtGen Leo Kosinski (Ret), APSI CoE
Col John Black (Ret)
May: ANNUAL CONGRESSTalent Acquisition and Workforce Readiness for APSI Young StrategicProfessionals (APSI YsPro)
Facilitators: Maxwell Abbott and Yusak Indra
June: Geopolitics Today Discussion Series
Red Lines and Rivalries: Is South Asia Nearing a Breaking Point?
June 23rd | 4PM NZT Virtual (by invitation only)
Opening Remarks: Prof Dr Anita Abbott
Moderator: Brett Murphy
Dr Qamar Cheema, Director of Sanober Institute, Islamabad
Qasim Mustafa, Director (Arms Control and Disarmament Centre) of the Institute of Strategic Studies, Islamabad
Air Vice Marshall Anil Golani (Retd), Director General, Center of Air Power Studies, New Delhi
Vice Admiral Girish Luthra (Retd), Distinguished Fellow, Observer Research Foundationn, Mumbai
July: Geopolitics Today Discussion Series
Anchoring Berlin in the Indo-Pacific: What Role for Germany in Tomorrow's Asia?
July 1st | 6PM NZT
Virtual (by invitation only)
Opening Remarks: Prof Dr Anita Abbott
Moderator: Brett Murphy
Contributors:
- Lucas Meier, German-Southeast Asian Center of Excellence for Public Policy and Good Governance
- MGen Gert-Johannes Hagemann (Ret), APSI Forum
July: Special Topic
Tensions at the Gateway: Germany, China, and the High Stakes in the Red Sea
By invitation only
July 15
8-9pm NZT
Speaker: CDR Uwe Von Parpart (Ret)
August: Strategic Lens Discussion
Flying into the Grey Zone: The Future of Air Power and Deterrence in Asia
9am NZT | 5th August
By invitation only
Contributors:
Col John Black (Ret), Distinguished Research Fellow, APSI CoE
Paul Szymanski, Space Strategies Center
General Mike Minihan (Ret), Maverick Advisor LLC
August: Strategic Lens Discussion
Forging the Pacific Shield: Trilateral Defense in a Shifting Ocean Order
August 14th
10 am NZT
Contributors:
-Scott Stalker
-Dr Satoru Nagao
August: Special Topic
Israel’s Military Strategy and the Future of Hamas
August 26, 5 pm NZT
Contributor:
Barry Shaw, Israel Institute for Strategic Studies
Annual Summit
The Mosaic of Powers: Competing Rivalries and Fragile Cooperation in Tomorrow’s Order
Venue: MERCURE Hotel Abel Tasman,
169 Willis St, Wellington, New Zealand
Pre-summit
November 15-16
Leaders' Coffee Dialogue
Morning Coordination Breakfast
Coffee and Diplomacy
Dress Code: Smart Casual Attire
November 17
5.30pm-7pm NZT
Deterrence Across Two Theaters: Lessons from Steadfast Noon and the Indo-Pacific Dilemma
Speaker: MGen Gert-Johannes Hagemann (Ret), APSI Forum
Dress Code: Smart Casual Attire
November 18
8.30 am: Arrival tea and coffee
8.45 am-9am: National anthem and Karakia
9am-9.10am: Opening Remarks: Andy Foster, New Zealand First
9.10-9.30: Keynote: Anita Abbott, PhD
Competing Rivalries, Fragile Cooperation: Understanding Power in Tomorrow’s Order.
PART 1: Europe in the Indo-Pacific: Strategy, Security, and the China Challenge
9.30-11am:
SESSION 1 : NATO and the Indo-Pacific : Aligning Atlantic and Pacific security architecture
(Virtual)
Lead Discussant: LGen Francesco Diella (Ret), APSI Forum
Contributors:
- MGen Adrian Ciolponea, NATO HQ
- Col. Arnel David, NATO SHAPE
11am-11.10: break
11.10-11.45am:
SESSION 2: Europe’s Indo Pacific Strategy: Can Europe project real influence?
Speakers: MGen Gert Johannes Hagemann (Ret) and HE Dr Andreas Prothmann
SESSION 3: Deterrence on the Edge: Testing Alliance Resolve from the Baltics to Taiwan
Speaker: Rodger Baker
11.45am-12.10pm:
Keynote lunch: Hon Chris Penk
Aligning Industry and Strategy: The NZ Defence Industry Plan and the Role of Global Partners
PART 2: Taiwan’s Security Mosaic: Allies, Asymmetric Lessons, and Hybrid Warfare
1.30-2.45pm
SESSION 4: Lessons from Ukraine (Virtual)
Lead Discussant: Dr Gabriel Honrada, APSI Forum
Contributors:
- Lt Col David Jonas (Ret)
-Col Grant Newsham (Ret)
-Chase Blazek
2.45-2.50 pm: break
2.50-4pm:
SESSION 5: The US, Japan, and Europe’s evolving role in Taiwan’s security (Virtual)
Lead Discussant: Stephen Nagy, PhD, APSI Forum
Contributors:
- Col. John Black (Ret)
-Captain Yuki Bito, PhD
PART III: Economic diplomacy vs strategic presence
4.pm-5.10pm
SESSION 6: Economic diplomacy vs strategic presence: what works better?
Moderator : Brett Murphy
Speakers:
Tenzin Doring, MP
Simon O'Connor
HE Idelta Rodrigues
5.10 pm-5.30pm-: Concluding Remarks
Bridging Allies and Aspirations: Strategic Relevance in a Fragmented Indo-Pacific
Speaker: HE Afamasaga Faamatalaupu Toleafoa
Guests:
Switzerland Ambassador to NZ, HE Viktor Vavricka
Italian Ambassador to NZ, HE Christiano Maggipinto
Japanese Defense Attache, Lt Col Tsuru Yasuto
Fijian First Secretary Mrs. Eileen Pickering
Solomon Island Second Secretary Mrs June Rofeta Maenu’u
Solomon Islands High Commissioner Ishmael Avui
First Secretary, Taiwan, Clair Chia-Chin
PNG Deputy High Commissioner, Pati Pyale
Mia Prahaswati, Embassy of the Democratic Republic of Timor‑Leste in New Zealand
Dress Code:
Civilians: Corporate Attire
Military Officers: Service Uniform
Post summit:
Coffee and Diplomacy
Summit Diplomatic Engagements
Dress Code:
Corporate Attire
Please note, most delegates are self-funded or are fully sponsored by their institutions.
For Speaker Expression of Interest Form and memberships, contact: info@apsisummit.com
We do not share the discussion and findings of the summits, international parliamentary assembly, and on-site forum discussions to non-members.
The members will need to contribute by sharing their knowledge, expertise, and skills in the forum
2024
Dates will be confirmed when the funding is available, and the number of delegates is sufficient.
Please note, most delegates are self-funded or are fully sponsored by their institutions.
APSI Forum relies on its delegate fees in order to fund its events. Therefore, paid registration is not refundable but is transferable.
For Speaker Expression of Interest Form and memberships, contact: info@apsisummit.com
We do not share the discussion and findings of the summits, international parliamentary assembly, and on-site forum discussions to non-members.
The members will need to contribute by sharing their knowledge, expertise, and skills in the forum
APSI Forum also relies on the registration fees, donations from individuals, embassies/high commissions, consulates, and governmental agencies for funding its events.
Events organised by APSI Forum and Center of Excellence (COE)
March: Congress
Peace Building and Conflict Resolution
Type: Virtual
Date: March 25
7pm-9pm NZT
How do think tanks like APSI collaborate with governmental and non-governmental organizations in peace building initiatives?
What are the challenges faced by think tanks in their efforts to promote peace building and conflict resolution, and how do they overcome these challenges?
Moderator: Maxwell Abbott
Session 1: Media as Mediator: Shaping Peaceful Narratives
Speaker: Brett Murphy, BA
Session 2: Food Resilience for Peace Building Effort
Speaker: Dr Eddy Kristianto
Conclusion: Assessing the Influence of Concepts
Anita Abbott, PhD
April: Geopolitics Today Discussion Series
Strategic Autonomy and Indo-Pacific Security: Adapting to Shifting Alliances
Type: Virtual (by invitation only) Date: April 16th, Time: 6pm NZT
Moderator: Brett Murphy
Contributors:
-MGen Karsten Stoye, Head of Civil-Military Cooperation and Military Advisor to the Director General EUROCONTROL
- General Sir James Everard, Lead Senior Mentor, NATO Allied Command Operations
- Prince Michael von Liechtenstein, Executive Chairman and Founder Geopolitical Intelligence Services - Act Party Defense Spokesperson Mark Cameron
May: Strategic Forum Discussion
Strategic Approaches: Balancing Support for Taiwan while Neutralizing China’s Influence
Type: Virtual
Date: May 12
6pm-7pm
Facilitator: MGen Gert-Johannes Hagemann (Ret)
Contributors:
Col. John Black (Ret)
Dr Satoru Nagao (Fellow (Non-Resident) at Hudson Institute)
July: Geopolitical Cooperation High Tea
Date: July 4
2.30pm-4pm
Venue: Fable Auckland, MGallery, Auckland, New Zealand
Informal discussions over an elegant afternoon tea that highlights the importance of collaboration and networking among international stakeholders
July: Strategic Forum Discussion
Geopolitics of Cooperation over Open Waters
Date: July 4
Virtual
6pm-7pm
Facilitator: Anita Abbott, PhD
Contributors:
Prof. Mumin Chen, Former Deputy Representative of Taipei Economic and Cultural Center in New Delhi, Professor and Vice Dean, College of Law and Politics, National Chung Hsing University, Taiwan
Prof. Amit Gupta, Senior Advisor, Forum of Federation
Brigadier Kuldip Singh (retd), ex-Principal Director, National Security Council Secretariat & Joint Intelligence Committee, Prime Minister's Office, India
Dov Lipman, Member of the 19th Knesset, CEO of Yad L’ Olim
Prof. Amer Sabaileh, Non resident fellow Middle East and North Africa, Stimson Center
August: Innovate and Inspire
Global Power Shifts: The AI Factor
August 22
Virtual
6-7pm NZT
Facilitator: MGen Gert-Johannes Hagemann (Ret)
Contributors:
Prof Dr Patrick Glauner, Deggendorf Institute of Technology
George Howell, Rain Cloud
August: International Parliamentary Assembly
Frontiers of Global Geopolitics: Investigating Strategic Significance Across Diverse Terrain
Venue: Aurora Room, Intercontinental Hotel, Wellington
Date: August 23
Programme:
8.30am-9am
Arrival coffee and tea
National Anthem
Karakia
9am-9.15am
Welcome: New Zealand MP Hon. Tim van de Molen
9.15am-9.45am:
Opening Remarks: Anita Abbott, PhD
9.45am-10.15am:
Session 1: Tibet: Geopolitical Significance
Speaker: Tenzin Phuntsok Doring, Member of Tibetan Parliament in Exile
10.15 am-10.45 am:
Session 2: New Zealand: A Strategic Lens on Global Geopolitics Speaker: Hon Ingrid Leary
10.45 am-11 am:
Coffee break
11 am-11.30 am:
Session 3:
Relations Across the Taiwan Strait and Regional Security Dynamics Speaker: Her Excellency Ambassador Joanne Ou
11.30 am-12 pm: Session 4: Fiji: Leadership in Pacific Geopolitics Dynamics
Speaker: Hon. Rinesh Sharma
12 pm-12.30 pm:
Session 5: Australia: Charting Pathways Amidst Global Uncertainty
Speaker : Senator Pauline Hanson
12:30pm- 1pm:
Speaker: Tsering Dolma Member of Tibetan Parliament in Exile
1pm-2:30 pm
Lunch Dialogues: Bridging Borders and Minority Challenges
Please do NOT use any devices (e.g: cellphone, recording devices) during our sessions.
If you stay at the hotel, we encourage you to leave your phone in your room.
September: Strategic Forum Discussion
Can a state be Pacifist?
Date: September 9
Virtual
7pm-8pm NZT
Facilitator: Dr Joanna Siekiera
Contributors:
Professor Stephen Nagy, International Christian University, Tokyo
Professor Alex Tan, Canterbury University
What historical precedents exist for state-level pacifism, and what can be learned from these examples?
How do different international relations theories (e.g., realism, liberalism, constructivism) view the concept of state pacifism?
How do international laws and norms support or hinder the practice of state pacifism?
What are the ethical arguments for and against the adoption of pacifism at the state level?
October: Special topic
Eurasia's Next Chapter: Potential Cooperation and Conflict
Date: October 7
Virtual
8am-9am NZT
Facilitator: VAdm Paul Bennett (Ret)
Contributors:
Dr Joanna Siekiera
Dr Vira Ratsiborynska
MGen Gert-Johannes Hagemann (Ret)
Eurasia's Next Chapter: Potential Coalition and Conflict
What are the key factors driving the formation of potential coalitions in Eurasia in the coming years?
How might shifting geopolitical dynamics impact the emergence of alliances and conflicts within Eurasia?
What role will energy resources play in shaping potential coalitions and conflicts in Eurasia's next chapter?
What are the potential scenarios for cooperation and competition among major powers within Eurasia, and how might these scenarios evolve in the coming years?
How might the strategic interests of Turkey, India, China, Russia, and Iran converge or diverge, leading to the formation of potential coalitions or exacerbating conflicts in Eurasia?
What role does each of the key players (Turkey, India, China, Russia, Iran) envision for themselves in shaping the future geopolitical landscape of Eurasia, and how might their aspirations influence potential coalition dynamics or conflict escalation?
October: Geopolitics Today Discussion Series
Chessboard Dynamics: Strategic Rivalries and Cooperation in the Indo-Pacific
October 14
6:30-7:30pm NZT
Facilitator: Anita Abbott, PhD
Contributors:
Prof. Mumin Chen, Former Deputy Representative of Taipei Economic and Cultural Center in New Delhi, Professor and Vice Dean, College of Law and Politics, National Chung Hsing University, Taiwan
Prof Stephen Nagy, International Christian University, Tokyo
Dr. Patricia Schneider, Political Advisor (POLAD) of the Chief of the German Navy
Annual Summit
Tomorrow's Geopolitics: Crafting conflict resolution narratives
Venue: Mercure Abel Tasman Hotel, 169 Willis St, Te Aro, Wellington
November 17: Pre-summit
6pm-7pm NZT: Geopolitical Insights and Narratives
Room: Sage and Salt, Mercure Abel Tasman Hotel
Dress Code: Smart casual
"Story Telling and Conflict Resolution"
-Maxwell Abbott
- Joan Shi
November 18: Summit
Moderator: Brett Murphy, BA
Room: Tasman, Mercure Abel Tasman Hotel
Dress Code: Corporate
8.30am-9am: Arrival tea and coffee, welcome
9am-9.15am: National Anthem and Karakia
9.15am-9.30am: Opening Remarks: New Zealand First MP Hon. Andy Foster
9.30am-10.30am
Session 1: Indo-Pacific Tensions: Navigating Regional Rivalries and Cooperation
Speakers:
-Prof. Mumin Chen, Former Deputy Representative of Taipei Economic and Cultural Center in New Delhi, Professor and Vice Dean, College of Law and Politics, National Chung Hsing University, Taiwan
-Simon O'Connor, Former Member of Parliament and Chair of the Foreign Affairs, Defence, and Trade Committee
Questions:
-How do the strategic interests of major powers (e.g., the United States, China, India, Japan) shape the dynamics of rivalry and cooperation in the Indo-Pacific?
-How can multilateral institutions (e.g., ASEAN, APEC, Quad) contribute to conflict resolution and promote collaboration in the Indo-Pacific?
-What are the potential responses of major Indo-Pacific powers (e.g., the United States, China, Japan, India) to a crisis in the Taiwan Strait?
-What are the possible scenarios for managing or mitigating an escalation in the Taiwan Strait, and what role could regional cooperation play?
10.30am-10.45am: Morning tea break and group photo
10.45am-11.45
Session 2: Redefining Alliances: Euro-Asian Cooperation in a Multipolar World
Speakers:
-Prof. Dr Anita Abbott, Chair and Patron APSI Forum and COE, Professor and Chair of CARI at Charisma University, international scholar in SFA and early warning in geopolitics
-MGen Gert-Johannes Hagemann (Ret), Board of Advisor of APSI Forum
Questions:
-What are the key factors driving the need to redefine Euro-Asian alliances in the current geopolitical climate? How do shifting global power dynamics influence the strategic interests and cooperative efforts between Europe and Asia?
-What are the major challenges and opportunities for enhancing Euro-Asian cooperation in a multipolar international system?
-What role do emerging powers (e.g., China, India, Russia) play in reshaping Euro-Asian alliances and cooperation frameworks?
-What are the implications of multipolarity for regional organizations (e.g., EU, ASEAN, SCO) and their role in Euro-Asian cooperation?
11.45-12.45pm:
Session 3: AI and Cybersecurity Frameworks for International Security
Speakers:
- Anthony Grasso, Chief Technology Officer, Titanium Defence NZ
- Prof. Alistar Knott, Professor of Artificial Intelligence at Victoria University of Wellington
Questions:
-What are the current challenges in international cybersecurity that collaborative AI frameworks aim to address?
-How can collaborative AI be effectively integrated into existing cybersecurity frameworks at the international level?
-What are the key features and characteristics of successful collaborative AI frameworks in cybersecurity?
-How might recent advances in AI impact international security?
12.45pm-1.45pm: Lunch break
1.45pm-3.15pm
Session 4: The Future of ASEAN: Crafting Conflict Resolution Narratives to Balance Major Powers
Speakers:
Her Excellency Malaysian High Commissioner Mazita Marzuki
Her Excellency Philippines Ambassador Kira Christianne D. Azucena
His Excellency Cambodian Ambassador Dr. Cheunboran Chanborey
Questions:
-In what ways do historical experiences and regional dynamics shape ASEAN's approach to conflict resolution through peace narratives?
- What role do conflict resolution narratives play in ASEAN's strategy to navigate major power rivalries?
-What challenges does ASEAN face in balancing major power interests through conflict resolution narratives, and how can these be addressed?
-How do ASEAN member states prevent conflicts and enhance regional security?
3.15pm-3.30pm: Afternoon Tea
3.30pm-4.30pm
Session 5: Small States in the Indo-Pacific: Crafting Conflict Resolution Narratives Amidst Major Power Rivalries
Speakers:
His Excellency Samoan High Commissioner Afamasaga Fa'amatalaupo Toleafoa
Fijian High Commission Second Secretary Josua Tuwere
Questions:
-How can small states leverage their strategic position to influence major power dynamics and promote stability in the Indo-Pacific region?
-What are the primary challenges faced by small states in advocating for conflict resolution amidst the competing interests of major powers?
-What strategies can small states employ to effectively voice their concerns and interests in conflict resolution processes involving major powers?
-How do small states in the Indo-Pacific contribute to or hinder regional cooperation and conflict resolution amidst rising tensions between major powers?
4.30pm-5pm Summary and Declaration
Closing
Refreshment and Networking
November 19
Post Summit: Roundtable Dialogue (Virtual)
Time: 3.30pm - 4.30pm NZT
What role do narratives play in shaping geopolitical alliances?
Which narratives will dominate the next decade in international relations?
Contributors:
Prof Stephen Nagy, International Christian University, Tokyo
David Jonas, George Washington University and Fluet
Dr Jesus Domingo, Department of Foreign Affairs, Metro Manila
LtGen Leo Kosinski (Ret), APSI CoE
Closing: Christian Martin
We encourage all attendees to participate in the 'Geopolitical Insights and Narratives' session and the 'Roundtable Dialogue.' These events are excellent opportunities to connect with international members, share diverse perspectives, and deepen your understanding of current geopolitical challenges. Your involvement will enrich the discussions and foster valuable networking. Please let us know if you want to participate in these two events.
Contact Us
info@apsisummit.com
