Long reads
G20: An essential element in Australia's international economic diplomacy (Part 2)
Part 1 of this post examined the basic business case for Australia's involvement with the G20.
30 Nov 2016 8:47
Indonesia considers trade options post TPP
US President elect Donald Trump's confirmation he intends to pull out of the TPP has led to confusion and uncertainty across the region. For its part, Indonesia is still keen to sign on to the TPP but there are many factors to consider in the cost-benefit analysis on the topic the...
29 Nov 2016 17:16
Can a populist EU survive?
Nationalism is contrary to what the EU is all about: nation states pledging to further coordination and cooperation for the common good based on common heritage and values, preventing the nationalist and authoritarian deviation that has continuously dragged Europe into conflict over the centuries...
29 Nov 2016 16:13
High hopes and a big let-down: Vietnam and the TPP
Vietnam was thought to be a big winner from the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP). As such, US President-elect Donald Trump's promise to withdraw from the deal is obviously bad news. Though it wasn’t unexpected, Vietnam has several reasons for disappointment:
It might be a signal of a slowdown in...
29 Nov 2016 14:55
Don’t panic: The Trump presidency and Australia's defence needs
Since the US election a range of commentators have raised the dire implications of a Trump Presidency for the globe, East Asia in general and Australia in particular.
Noting Trump’s stated disdain for alliances and US international engagement, the most prominent concerns have been about an...
29 Nov 2016 12:36
Quick comment: Rodger Shanahan on why rebel forces should leave Aleppo
It's time for the international community to put pressure on rebel forces to leave Aleppo, says Lowy Institute Research Fellow Rodger Shanahan. As Syrian government forces and allies gain ground in the battle for Syria's largest city, more than 250,000 civilians are under siege in the remaining...
29 Nov 2016 8:58
The new view on fiscal policy
Accepted wisdom on fiscal policy has shifted remarkably over the last couple of years, although too late to support the feeble global recovery from the 2008 crisis. Now the consensus is that there is a good case for fiscal stimulus in countries still with sub-par growth (i.e. almost all), provided...