Global Economy
In Australia’s big play in Southeast Asia, mobilising the private sector is critical
There is an unmistakable disconnect between Australia’s trade and investment flows and the geo-economic importance of Southeast Asia.
The combined economies of the Association…
The G20 spectacle and the domestic imperatives of Modi’s global ambitions
In a recent article titled “This is G20 for we, the people”, Prime Minister Narendra Modi proudly stated that India’s G20 presidency has become a “people-driven movement”. “Over…
Ahead of G20, India-China reconciliation fails to launch
When it became clear that China’s President Xi Jinping had decided to skip the G20 summit in Delhi this week, it was the final blow to the opportunity that the forum presented to…
The future of gig work
The gig economy – characterised by on-demand, freelance and short-term employment in which service providers connect with consumers through mobile apps and websites – is…
Why India keeps a foot in both camps
India is festooned for the season’s finale: the G20 summit. On 9–10 September, G20 leaders (at least most) will be in New Delhi to discuss problems that plague our planet…
The sticky case of Indonesia, a seized Iranian oil tanker, and legal jurisdiction
The two giant freighters floated “dark” in the open ocean not far from Indonesia. Their positioning transponders switched off, neither tanker displayed a national flag – but one…
Who’s on the guest list? India brings Bangladesh to the G20
India declared its goal as G20 president and host this year to be “Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam” (One Earth - One Family - One Future). On the surface, this seems like an agenda based on…
Building bigger BRICS
The planned enlargement of the BRICS group has revived a long-standing debate on whether this grouping will remain just a talk-shop specialising in complaining about Western…
Cash is king, no more
Australia has emerged as the frontrunner in embracing digital payments. A recent global report highlights that Australians now rank among the world’s least frequent cash users. It…
Stepping on the gas: Boosting Australia’s climate diplomacy in the region
The Australia’s women’s soccer team the Matildas may have gone down in the World Cup semi-final this week, but they certainly won over the fans – perhaps none more surprising,…