As Director of Research, Dr David Dutton manages the Lowy Institute’s research team. The Institute’s research is globally recognised for its analysis on China, Southeast Asia and the Pacific Islands region, as well as its thematic expertise in economic, security and development issues. David also has carriage of the Institute’s editorial, digital and design functions.

His research interests include strategy and geopolitics, global governance, Australian foreign policy, Australia’s Alliance with the United States, and human rights and democratic institutions.

David joined the Institute in 2025 following a 26-year diplomatic career with the Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade. His first posting was to Australia’s Mission to the United Nations in New York (2002–05), and he later served as Minister-Counsellor (Political) in Washington (2010–13) and as Deputy Chief of Mission in Manila (2013–16) and later Brussels (2020–23).

During his DFAT career, he worked across the full spectrum of Australia’s foreign, development and trade interests, with substantial periods focused on international security, UN affairs, the United States, Southeast Asia, Europe and climate diplomacy.

David began his career as an academic researcher in Australian history and foreign policy. He was an author of DFAT’s history of Australia’s engagement with Asia, Facing North (two vols, 2001 and 2003), including chapters covering human rights, debates over identity and immigration.

He holds a PhD from the University of Melbourne, later published as One of Us? A century of Australian citizenship (2002).