Professor Chris Alden and Dr Alvaro Mendez of the LSE International Relations Department’s Global South Unit conducted a series of lectures, workshops and meetings in Peru and Chile in May 2016.
![GSU Lima Conference (4 May 2016)](https://blogs.lse.ac.uk/internationalrelations/files/2016/06/GSU-Lima-Conference-4-May-2016.jpg)
Examining the impact of China’s growing presence within those countries, this multi-varied engagement brought home the impor
tance of local knowledge in understanding emerging global trends. One of the highlights of their visit to Santiago was a wonderful dinner with IRD alumni that included a lively discussion of the implications of BREXIT for the UK, Europe and Chile.
![LSE Chilean Alumni Dinner for Professor Alden and Dr Mendez (10 May 2016)](https://blogs.lse.ac.uk/internationalrelations/files/2016/06/LSE-Chilean-Alumni-Dinner-for-Prof.-Alden-Dr.-Mendez-10-May-2016-1024x768.jpg)