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A Decade of Collaboration between SNF and Chatham House

When someone refers to the Chatham House Rule, they’re invoking both a specific guideline for discussion and the broader philosophy that underpins it.

The Rule, simply put, allows meeting attendees to use information that comes out in discussion, but not to attribute it to a specific speaker. It is designed to encourage open debate on potentially controversial issues and to permit participants to contribute as individuals rather than as official representatives of institutions.


Creating opportunities for open debate and discussion and forums for experts is also an increasing focus in the work of the Stavros Niarchos Foundation (SNF), through support for initiatives like the SNF Agora Institute at Johns Hopkins University, the SNF Paideia Program at the University of Pennsylvania, and our own monthly DIALOGUES series.

London’s Chatham House, the Royal Institute of International Affairs, was founded nearly a hundred years ago. For the past ten of those, partnership between Chatham House and SNF has grown, through the Foundation’s support for Chatham House research projects, educational fellowships, and facilities upgrade and expansion, as well as through mutual participation in events. The relationship continues to adapt to best respond to and anticipate changes in the global political landscape.

On Wednesday, April 17, SNF is partnering with Chatham House for a DIALOGUES event, Europe, Challenges, Dilemmas, and Brexit, in advance of a forthcoming announcement of a further extension of the collaborative relationship. You’re invited to join us for the event or stream it live—the Chatham House Rule will not be in effect.

In addition to initiating the Rule, Chatham House is known as an early practitioner of two-track diplomacy. Explore the developing partnership between Chatham House and SNF—and how that collaboration has evolved with changes in the political landscape—with this two-track timeline.