Chris Alden

Professor Chris Alden is a leading academic in International Relations at the London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE), serving as Professor of International Relations and Director of LSE IDEAS. His work focuses on foreign policy analysis, China-Africa relations, South African foreign policy, and post-conflict reconstruction. He holds a fellowship at the South African Institute of International Affairs (SAIIA) and has held visiting positions at institutions including Cambridge University and the University of Tokyo.

Professor Alden's research examines the evolving dynamics of global power, with a particular emphasis on emerging economies and their engagement with Africa and Latin America. His publications explore topics such as China's geopolitical strategies, the role of multilateral institutions, and the implications of development cooperation for regional stability. He supervises doctoral research on China-Africa studies, South African foreign policy, and comparative foreign policy analysis.

His recent work includes analyses of China's expanding footprint in Latin America, the geopolitical risks of short-term diplomatic calculations, and the transformative potential of multiplex world orders. He has also contributed to policy discussions on environmental, social, and governance (ESG) frameworks for Chinese-led infrastructure projects in developing regions.

Alden's academic leadership includes roles as Deputy Head of the LSE Department of International Relations (PhD and Research) and Director of LSE IDEAS, a leading think tank. His interdisciplinary approach integrates theoretical insights with empirical research on global challenges, making significant contributions to understanding contemporary international relations.