Chatham House’s founders pioneered the unique and disruptive concept of an organization dedicated to the study of international affairs. Their vision altered the course of international politics and helped create the international consensus that followed the world wars. Our history is one of building understanding between nations and driving world-changing policies. We continue to set a high bar to champion positive solutions.
Chatham House, also known as the Royal Institute of International Affairs and founded in 1920, is based at 10 St James’s Square, London. Its mission is to help governments and societies build a sustainably secure, prosperous, and just world. It’s well known for originating the Chatham House Rule, a principle allowing participants to speak freely without attribution
Our mission is to address geopolitical challenges and international problems. We do this by providing independent analysis and advice, and convening meetings of the people and organisations that can bring about change. Through this we aim to help governments and societies to build a secure, sustainable, prosperous and just world.
Chatham House places the highest value on its independence.Our experts develop their arguments and recommendations through evidence-based research, public and private events, and discussion with practitioners and policymakers. We do not take institutional positions on policy. We owe no allegiance to any government or political body. While we encourage our experts and contributors to put forward views and advice, these do not constitute formal positions of the institute. Chatham House benefits from a wide range of philanthropic, research-related and membership funding. This diversity of support is critical to the independence of the Institute. We always retain control over our research and events, both public and under the Chatham House Rule, irrespective of the source of funding. We will not accept funding which we believe might impose a constraint on our intellectual independence or limit our ability to pursue our mission.
Own or work here?