Ian Hill
Biography
Publications
Ian Hill is a retired senior career diplomat in the New Zealand foreign ministry. In the course of his 42 years in the diplomatic service, Mr Hill served three times in Moscow, twice as Ambassador (2009–12 and 2016–20). He also served as Deputy Head of Mission for five years in Washington DC, and held other senior foreign service roles in London and the Pacific. Mr Hill served in several senior foreign ministry positions in Wellington, including as Director for European Affairs, and was also the Prime Minister’s foreign affairs adviser from 1993–95. He is currently Adjunct Professor in the Centre for Defence and Security Studies at Massey University and Senior Fellow in the Centre for Strategic Studies at Victoria University of Wellington.
Trump-Putin summit: The dangers of dealmaking without Ukraine at the table
Washington’s willingness to flag territorial concessions before talks begin hands Moscow an unearned advantage.
Israel–Iran conflict: Moscow positions itself for advantage
Russia is once more on no-one’s side but its own.
Will shock therapy spur a new realpolitik in Europe?
The ructions in the Western alliance this past week will advance Moscow’s long-term security objectives
What does Trump’s return mean for America’s relations with Russia?
Whatever happens over the next four years, the underlying causes of Russia–US confrontation won’t go away.
Whither the BRICS?
On paper, BRICS is a heavy hitter. But differing goals could make the road ahead bumpy.
Russia and the Middle East: Positioning for advantage
Moscow has made a cynical calculation that conflict serves its interests.
Explaining Ukraine’s hopes with a bold attack in Kursk – and how it might backfire, badly
In a calculated gamble, the purpose appears as much political as military: a positive shift to the narrative, directed at multiple audiences.
Forgotten front: The South Caucasus contest
Energy, security, and geostrategy again find this crucial region at the crossroads.
Putin in Asia: Setting a cat among the pigeons
Ever a pragmatist, the Russian leader’s calculated alignments are purely based on needs and interests.
