Programs & Projects

Global Economic Futures

Global Economic Futures

Trade wars, populism, and geopolitics. The world is quickly becoming more fraught as complex forces threaten to disrupt and reshape the global economy in profound ways. In this context, the Lowy Institute launched the Global Economic Futures project aimed at better understanding this rapidly changing global economic landscape, where it might take us, and the key choices to be made.

The project examines the future shape of the global economy especially given rising tensions between the world’s two largest economies – the United States and China – and the possible implications for, and changing roles of, major regional economies, including Australia, India, Indonesia and others.

Experts
Latest publications
News and media
Economic diplomacy: China dependency and a notable departure
Economic diplomacy: China dependency and a notable departure
Switch hitting If Australia’s senior international ministers were surprised by the sharpness of US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo’s approach to economic dependence on China at…
China’s “currency manipulation” in context
China’s “currency manipulation” in context
Commentators are unanimous in noting the illogical nature of the US Treasury’s recent designation of China as a “currency manipulator”. It fits only one of the Treasury’s own…
Trumpian currency intervention is a bigger risk than China weaponising the yuan
Commentary
Trumpian currency intervention is a bigger risk than China weaponising the yuan
Originally published in The Australian. Roland Rajah
US, China now have a three-week window to avert trade talks collapse
US, China now have a three-week window to avert trade talks collapse
After a week of turmoil following President Donald Trump’s decision to impose additional tariffs on imports from China, global markets are cheerful again. Shares are recovering…
China-US currency clash: Who’s manipulating who?
China-US currency clash: Who’s manipulating who?
The United States has labelled China a currency manipulator. The move sent shock waves through markets early this week and left many speculating what may come next. Trump has…
Coordinating with America to pressure China on trade
Coordinating with America to pressure China on trade
While President Donald Trump’s bull-in-a-China-shop approach to reforming international trade doesn’t appeal, it is possible that some of his objectives might make sense. This was…
Progressive US politics meets radical economics
Commentary
Progressive US politics meets radical economics
Originally published in The Australian. Stephen Grenville
Trump and Xi need a trade deal and they need it soon
Trump and Xi need a trade deal and they need it soon
With resumed contact between US trade negotiator Robert Lighthizer and China’s negotiator Vice Premier Liu He, the 12th round of trade talks between the US and China may take…
Rethinking fiscal policy: Progressive US politics meets radical economics
Research Notes
Rethinking fiscal policy: Progressive US politics meets radical economics
Recognition of the need for greater government intervention in the economy is increasingly shaping the US political debate, with this shift paralleled among prominent economists.
The race to be next IMF chief
The race to be next IMF chief
The race is on to see who will take over as Managing Director of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) following the nomination of the incumbent, Christine Lagarde, as President…