Today's Edition
LONDON (ALETIHAD)
As part of its strategy to enhance international research partnerships and also as part of its research tour in the British capital, TRENDS Research & Advisory held two separate discussion sessions in London with two of the UK’s most prominent think tanks: Chatham House (the Royal Institute of International Affairs) and the Royal United Services Institute (RUSI).
These sessions explored opportunities for research collaboration in various fields, including artificial intelligence, defense studies, nuclear energy, cybersecurity, cultural diplomacy, and political Islam, amid growing global challenges.
In-Depth Dialogue with Chatham House
In the first session, the TRENDS delegation met with leading researchers from Chatham House, including Sir John Jenkins, Senior Fellow and former British diplomat, and Zizette Darkazally, Associate Fellow, alongside several experts and scholars.
The discussions covered regional and international issues, emphasising cultural diplomacy as a tool for conflict resolution.
The two parties also explored avenues for joint research, intellectual events, and the publication of specialised studies to support decision-makers in the region and beyond.
CEO of TRENDS, Dr. Mohammed Al-Ali, praised Chatham House for its in-depth analyses of global affairs, stressing the importance of knowledge exchange in fostering global stability.
Sir John Jenkins expressed appreciation for TRENDS' research, noting that he had benefited from some of its publications on Islamism and the Muslim Brotherhood.
He emphasised that the Middle East is undergoing rapid transformations, making direct engagement with regional researchers crucial for a deeper understanding.
Zizette Darkazally remarked, “It was such a pleasure having TRENDS colleagues to come to Chatham House today. We had an amazing discussion about issues that matter to the GCC, to the Middle East, and also to different global issues of importance for Chatham House and for TRENDS.”
Collaboration with RUSI
The second session took place with RUSI, where the TRENDS delegation, led by Dr. Al-Ali, explored opportunities for joint research in defense, nuclear energy, cybersecurity, innovation, and artificial intelligence.
During the visit, Amanda Sheppard, RUSI’s Librarian and Information Manager, guided the TRENDS delegation on a tour of the institute’s historic library, which dates back to 1895.
The delegation reviewed a vast collection of historical materials and academic encyclopedias, reinforcing RUSI’s role as a global hub for learning and knowledge.
In a symbolic gesture of collaboration, RUSI added a newly published research report from TRENDS to its collection, emphasising the importance of knowledge-sharing between both institutions.
Both sides agreed that joint research is key to addressing global challenges, underscoring the necessity of strengthening cooperation between research institutions to produce in-depth studies that offer strategic solutions.
In this context, Dr. Al-Ali emphasised the significance of collaboration and partnerships in driving innovation and impactful outcomes.
“Through this collaboration, TRENDS aims to exchange expertise and knowledge with RUSI to tackle pressing challenges,” he stated.
RUSI welcomed the partnership, affirming that such cooperation enhances joint research efforts and supports deeper insights into global security issues.
Future Partnerships
The two sessions concluded with an agreement to explore joint research projects in the discussed fields and organise future intellectual events.
Both parties also agreed to exchange research publications and strengthen cooperation in academic publishing, contributing to strategic insights for researchers, academics, and policymakers.
