Why the world’s most influential diplomats speak under a cloak of anonymity

Countries & Cities · Published 29 September 2026 Swipe more like this →

In short: Chatham House is a London-based think tank that serves as a global hub for international policy. It is famous for the Chatham House Rule, a protocol that allows experts to debate controversial topics freely by ensuring that no specific speaker is ever identified or linked to their comments in public reports.

Founded in 1919 following the Paris Peace Conference, the Royal Institute of International Affairs—commonly known as Chatham House—was established to foster scientific study and expert debate on global issues. The institute is headquartered in a historic 18th-century building at 10 St James's Square, which was donated by Canadian philanthropists in 1923. The site was once home to three British prime ministers, including the 1st Earl of Chatham, whose title became synonymous with the institution itself.

The organization operates through thirteen research programmes spanning thematic and regional interests, ranging from global security to environmental sustainability. Its influence is bolstered by a diverse membership base that includes over 60 embassies, major corporations like BP and Pfizer, and prominent NGOs. While the institute is a hub for high-level networking, it has occasionally faced criticism regarding its perceived elitism, opaque funding structures, and historical ties to British imperial policy.

Throughout the 20th century, Chatham House acted as a critical intellectual engine for the British state. During the Second World War, its Foreign Press and Research Service provided vital intelligence to the Foreign Office. Later, it became a pioneer in two-track diplomacy, notably hosting Anglo-Soviet round-tables during the Cold War to improve communication between opposing powers. Today, it continues to shape international discourse through its journals, such as International Affairs, and its ongoing commitment to evidence-based policymaking.

The institution remains a unique fixture in global affairs, balancing its role as a scholarly research center with its function as a secure venue for statesmen and business leaders. By providing a space where participants can speak without the fear of attribution, it facilitates frank discussions on sensitive subjects that might otherwise remain unaddressed in more formal, public settings.

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