Global Economy

Kicking up a stink: Europe’s farmers, like those in Australia, are counting costs
Kicking up a stink: Europe’s farmers, like those in Australia, are counting costs
The European Union has abandoned a plan to reduce pesticide use by half across the continent by the end of this decade. It follows widespread demonstrations from local farmers in…
Global poverty is still a massive problem – no matter how you count it
Global poverty is still a massive problem – no matter how you count it
The world must return its focus to the fight against global poverty. The Covid-19 pandemic pushed millions more into extreme poverty while the global economic recovery thereafter…
Australia’s nuclear energy debate doesn’t have to be partisan
Australia’s nuclear energy debate doesn’t have to be partisan
Australia is investing billions of dollars as part of its AUKUS nuclear-powered submarines program. It will take years to be delivered. The enormous cost of this program contrasts…
Middle East turmoil and a US pause offer Australia LNG opportunities
Middle East turmoil and a US pause offer Australia LNG opportunities
The United States has just overtaken Australia as the world’s biggest exporter of liquefied natural gas (LNG). By 2030, US production is forecast to be more than double Australia…
Vietnam’s ports prosper as supply chains fracture
Vietnam’s ports prosper as supply chains fracture
Vietnam’s main ports have shot up the world rankings in terms of volumes of container-based traffic as manufacturers increasingly pull out of China in the wake of the tariff-based…
Can China use offshore wind to break its reliance on foreign LNG and coal?
Can China use offshore wind to break its reliance on foreign LNG and coal?
A worldwide scramble for energy supplies following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine has intensified China’s quest for energy security. The nation is doubling down on all forms of…
Economic diplomacy: To market, to market, with China
Economic diplomacy: To market, to market, with China
Trading up Australia’s international economic engagement kicked off in 2003 with then foreign minister Alexander Downer telling his Cabinet colleagues that he was set to claim…
Drought and war hit the choke points
Drought and war hit the choke points
As the number of ships passing through the drought-ridden Panama Canal and the terrorist-hit Red Sea slows, the geopolitical importance of these so-called choke points in world…
Global economic prospects are the worst in decades but investing in the future could be the answer
Global economic prospects are the worst in decades but investing in the future could be the answer
The World Bank released its semi-annual Global Economic Prospects Report on 10 January, and it reads like a warning shot across the bow for the world’s economies. Global…
Vietnam’s challenge to wean off coal
Vietnam’s challenge to wean off coal
During a summer break, The Interpreter will feature selected articles each day from throughout the past year. Normal publishing will resume 15 January, 2024. This article first…