Australia’s economic future will be shaped less by domestic policy debates than by forces beyond its borders: the US–China relationship, artificial intelligence, and the health of the global economic order. In this episode of Lowy Institute Conversations, Sam Roggeveen speaks with economist and historian John Edwards, author of the latest Lowy Institute Paper, Overhaul: How Australia Can Adapt to a Changing World Economy, about why he is cautiously optimistic about the next 25 years — and why Canberra should be more sanguine about US–China rivalry.

More episodes of the Lowy Institute's podcasts are available on your favourite podcast apps, including Spotify, YouTube and Apple.

Australia&rsquo;s economic future will be shaped less by domestic policy debates than by forces beyond its borders: the US&ndash;China relationship, artificial intelligence, and the health of the global economic order. In this episode of Lowy Institute Conversations, Sam Roggeveen speaks with economist and historian John Edwards, author of the latest Lowy Institute Paper, Overhaul: How Australia Can Adapt to a Changing World Economy, about why he is cautiously optimistic about the next 25 years &mdash; and why Canberra should be more sanguine about US&ndash;China rivalry.
More episodes of the Lowy Institute's podcasts are available on your favourite podcast apps, including&nbsp;<a href="https://aus01.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fopen.spotify.com%2Fshow%2F1CMTUWiszBFIq3UoIXW7mJ%3Fsi%3D9a8671e772364062%26nd%3D1%26dlsi%3Da2545d11f6f34d6e&amp;data=05%7C02%7CCCaldwell%40lowyinstitute.org%7Cdf2253bf2a8645900fec08de6375004f%7C1fb32338ad1940db98fdc701f150c316%7C0%7C0%7C639057551324026127%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJFbXB0eU1hcGkiOnRydWUsIlYiOiIwLjAuMDAwMCIsIlAiOiJXaW4zMiIsIkFOIjoiTWFpbCIsIldUIjoyfQ%3D%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&amp;sdata=vuuqYi2Ge46zIai6AQv1GEshCFdMvxChf%2Fu8FiOEu8A%3D&amp;reserved=0">Spotify</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://aus01.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.youtube.com%2Fplaylist%3Flist%3DPL0bvjLds5_8SzwlqtE2U1NjCD3ftO3-QZ&amp;data=05%7C02%7CCCaldwell%40lowyinstitute.org%7Cdf2253bf2a8645900fec08de6375004f%7C1fb32338ad1940db98fdc701f150c316%7C0%7C0%7C639057551324051410%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJFbXB0eU1hcGkiOnRydWUsIlYiOiIwLjAuMDAwMCIsIlAiOiJXaW4zMiIsIkFOIjoiTWFpbCIsIldUIjoyfQ%3D%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&amp;sdata=SNKL4SD1uY8Q%2BE6u5GTyCvbVkKnFC5DpG8c5NQLkFrA%3D&amp;reserved=0">YouTube</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://aus01.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fpodcasts.apple.com%2Fau%2Fpodcast%2Flowy-institute%2Fid191062366&amp;data=05%7C02%7CCCaldwell%40lowyinstitute.org%7Cdf2253bf2a8645900fec08de6375004f%7C1fb32338ad1940db98fdc701f150c316%7C0%7C0%7C639057551324065273%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJFbXB0eU1hcGkiOnRydWUsIlYiOiIwLjAuMDAwMCIsIlAiOiJXaW4zMiIsIkFOIjoiTWFpbCIsIldUIjoyfQ%3D%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&amp;sdata=kHVnZP0Ul0I70SDl4wRsQqBnybDrUbNB8Wv%2BSm6%2FuOw%3D&amp;reserved=0">Apple</a>.

Why the world economy could double again by 2050

The public’s anxiety about artificial intelligence appears to be growing, with high-profile data security breaches and opposition towards data centres attracting negative attention. Yet a more hopeful view is also gaining ground: that the technology could help rebuild struggling democratic institutions. In this episode of Lowy Institute Conversations, Lydia Khalil speaks with Beth Noveck, author of Reboot: AI and the Race to Save Democracy, about public AI, digital sovereignty, diplomacy and the role middle powers such as Australia can play in shaping how it is governed.

More episodes of the Lowy Institute's podcasts are available on your favourite podcast apps, including Spotify, YouTube and Apple.

The public&rsquo;s anxiety about artificial intelligence appears to be growing, with high-profile data security breaches and opposition towards data centres attracting negative attention. Yet a more hopeful view is also gaining ground: that the technology could help rebuild struggling democratic institutions. In this episode of Lowy Institute Conversations, Lydia Khalil speaks with Beth Noveck, author of Reboot: AI and the Race to Save Democracy, about public AI, digital sovereignty, diplomacy and the role middle powers such as Australia can play in shaping how it is governed.
More episodes of the Lowy Institute's podcasts are available on your favourite podcast apps, including&nbsp;<a href="https://aus01.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fopen.spotify.com%2Fshow%2F1CMTUWiszBFIq3UoIXW7mJ%3Fsi%3D9a8671e772364062%26nd%3D1%26dlsi%3Da2545d11f6f34d6e&amp;data=05%7C02%7CCCaldwell%40lowyinstitute.org%7Cdf2253bf2a8645900fec08de6375004f%7C1fb32338ad1940db98fdc701f150c316%7C0%7C0%7C639057551324026127%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJFbXB0eU1hcGkiOnRydWUsIlYiOiIwLjAuMDAwMCIsIlAiOiJXaW4zMiIsIkFOIjoiTWFpbCIsIldUIjoyfQ%3D%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&amp;sdata=vuuqYi2Ge46zIai6AQv1GEshCFdMvxChf%2Fu8FiOEu8A%3D&amp;reserved=0">Spotify</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://aus01.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.youtube.com%2Fplaylist%3Flist%3DPL0bvjLds5_8SzwlqtE2U1NjCD3ftO3-QZ&amp;data=05%7C02%7CCCaldwell%40lowyinstitute.org%7Cdf2253bf2a8645900fec08de6375004f%7C1fb32338ad1940db98fdc701f150c316%7C0%7C0%7C639057551324051410%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJFbXB0eU1hcGkiOnRydWUsIlYiOiIwLjAuMDAwMCIsIlAiOiJXaW4zMiIsIkFOIjoiTWFpbCIsIldUIjoyfQ%3D%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&amp;sdata=SNKL4SD1uY8Q%2BE6u5GTyCvbVkKnFC5DpG8c5NQLkFrA%3D&amp;reserved=0">YouTube</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://aus01.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fpodcasts.apple.com%2Fau%2Fpodcast%2Flowy-institute%2Fid191062366&amp;data=05%7C02%7CCCaldwell%40lowyinstitute.org%7Cdf2253bf2a8645900fec08de6375004f%7C1fb32338ad1940db98fdc701f150c316%7C0%7C0%7C639057551324065273%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJFbXB0eU1hcGkiOnRydWUsIlYiOiIwLjAuMDAwMCIsIlAiOiJXaW4zMiIsIkFOIjoiTWFpbCIsIldUIjoyfQ%3D%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&amp;sdata=kHVnZP0Ul0I70SDl4wRsQqBnybDrUbNB8Wv%2BSm6%2FuOw%3D&amp;reserved=0">Apple</a>.

Can AI rebuild democracy?

Official development finance to Southeast Asia has fallen to its lowest level in a decade, just as the region faces a run of overlapping economic shocks. Contrary to some expectations, China isn’t stepping into the gap left by retreating traditional donors, such as Japan and the United States.
In this episode of Development Futures, the Lowy Institute's Lead Economist and Director of the Indo-Pacific Development Centre Roland Rajah speaks with Rahul Nath and Taili Ni, two of the researchers behind the Lowy Institute’s Southeast Asia Aid Map, about what the latest data shows and what developments to watch.

You can read the full report or explore the interactive map at https://seamap.lowyinstitute.org/

Official development finance to Southeast Asia has fallen to its lowest level in a decade, just as the region faces a run of overlapping economic shocks. Contrary to some expectations, China isn&rsquo;t stepping into the gap left by retreating traditional donors, such as Japan and the United States. In this episode of Development Futures, the Lowy Institute's Lead Economist and Director of the Indo-Pacific Development Centre Roland Rajah speaks with Rahul Nath and Taili Ni, two of the researchers behind the Lowy Institute&rsquo;s Southeast Asia Aid Map, about what the latest data shows and what developments to watch.
You can read the full report or explore the interactive map at <a href="https://aus01.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fseamap.lowyinstitute.org%2F&amp;data=05%7C02%7Cagriffits%40lowyinstitute.org%7Cada375335afe42cb09b008df28db7988%7C1fb32338ad1940db98fdc701f150c316%7C0%7C0%7C639274595243603040%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJFbXB0eU1hcGkiOnRydWUsIlYiOiIwLjAuMDAwMCIsIlAiOiJXaW4zMiIsIkFOIjoiTWFpbCIsIldUIjoyfQ%3D%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&amp;sdata=b2X1dkL%2FeTvrNSq77HMAKr%2F1XW5aLCvY3W0oY6lQMbU%3D&amp;reserved=0" data-outlook-id="463c3364-fb83-4142-b727-79dd76c1be11">https://</a><a href="https://aus01.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fseamap.lowyinstitute.org%2F&amp;data=05%7C02%7Cagriffits%40lowyinstitute.org%7Cada375335afe42cb09b008df28db7988%7C1fb32338ad1940db98fdc701f150c316%7C0%7C0%7C639274595243633498%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJFbXB0eU1hcGkiOnRydWUsIlYiOiIwLjAuMDAwMCIsIlAiOiJXaW4zMiIsIkFOIjoiTWFpbCIsIldUIjoyfQ%3D%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&amp;sdata=UKY4nbmoHvnpbjOiM8eVNYcnxBtK8qbd9%2FThpgo2mkA%3D&amp;reserved=0" data-outlook-id="10f2fb44-336a-4f62-905e-3df657ed0584">seamap.lowyinstitute.org/</a>

Cuts all round: Aid to Southeast Asia hits a decade low

Despite being close neighbours, Australia and Papua New Guinea have only recently become formal allies through the Pukpuk Treaty. But what does this new alliance mean beyond government-to-government ties?

In this episode of Lowy Institute Conversations, Dominic De Moura McCarthy, President and Founder of the Pacific-Australia Youth Association, and Sharon Bala Woruba, Environment and Sustainability Manager for PNG at Coca-Cola Europacific Partners, join the Institute's Sarah Thompson to discuss the future of the bilateral relationship.They discuss PNG's forthcoming NRL team, the Chiefs; what real economic opportunity for small businesses and grassroots communities looks like; the underused potential of diaspora communities in places like 

North Queensland; and why formal exchange and education programs matter at every stage of life.
The conversation lands on a bigger question: what would it take for everyday Australians and Papua New Guineans to feel genuine ownership of this relationship, rather than watching it play out at the top?

Dominic De Moura McCarthy and Sharon Bala Woruba were participants in the Australia–PNG Network's 2026 Emerging Leaders Dialogue. You can read the recommendations of the emerging leaders in a joint communiqué published by the Lowy Institute.

More episodes of the Lowy Institute's podcasts are available on your favourite podcast apps, including Spotify, YouTube and Apple.

Despite being close neighbours, Australia and Papua New Guinea have only recently become formal allies through the Pukpuk Treaty. But what does this new alliance mean beyond government-to-government ties?
In this episode of Lowy Institute Conversations, Dominic De Moura McCarthy, President and Founder of the Pacific-Australia Youth Association, and Sharon Bala Woruba, Environment and Sustainability Manager for PNG at Coca-Cola Europacific Partners, join the Institute's Sarah Thompson to discuss the future of the bilateral relationship.They discuss PNG's forthcoming NRL team, the Chiefs; what real economic opportunity for small businesses and grassroots communities looks like; the underused potential of diaspora communities in places like&nbsp;
North Queensland; and why formal exchange and education programs matter at every stage of life. The conversation lands on a bigger question: what would it take for everyday Australians and Papua New Guineans to feel genuine ownership of this relationship, rather than watching it play out at the top?
Dominic De Moura McCarthy and Sharon Bala Woruba were participants in the Australia&ndash;PNG Network's 2026 Emerging Leaders Dialogue. You can read the recommendations of the emerging leaders in&nbsp;<a href="https://aus01.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.lowyinstitute.org%2Fpublications%2Fbilums-to-boardrooms-the-business-of-australia-papua-new-guinea-relations&amp;data=05%7C02%7Cshayes%40lowyinstitute.org%7C664c6101cba244dac6e608df1dc6f08c%7C1fb32338ad1940db98fdc701f150c316%7C0%7C0%7C639262412421497727%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJFbXB0eU1hcGkiOnRydWUsIlYiOiIwLjAuMDAwMCIsIlAiOiJXaW4zMiIsIkFOIjoiTWFpbCIsIldUIjoyfQ%3D%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&amp;sdata=5nEPZTEcBx8PqQ5y4bPkWfxzgtPW2twBvjIgyw%2B4vJE%3D&amp;reserved=0" data-outlook-id="29d1e42b-25f6-421e-bcbe-4006f1123ec4">a joint communiqu&eacute; published by the Lowy Institute</a>.
More episodes of the Lowy Institute's podcasts are available on your favourite podcast apps, including&nbsp;<a href="https://aus01.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fopen.spotify.com%2Fshow%2F1CMTUWiszBFIq3UoIXW7mJ%3Fsi%3D9a8671e772364062%26nd%3D1%26dlsi%3Da2545d11f6f34d6e&amp;data=05%7C02%7CCCaldwell%40lowyinstitute.org%7Cdf2253bf2a8645900fec08de6375004f%7C1fb32338ad1940db98fdc701f150c316%7C0%7C0%7C639057551324026127%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJFbXB0eU1hcGkiOnRydWUsIlYiOiIwLjAuMDAwMCIsIlAiOiJXaW4zMiIsIkFOIjoiTWFpbCIsIldUIjoyfQ%3D%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&amp;sdata=vuuqYi2Ge46zIai6AQv1GEshCFdMvxChf%2Fu8FiOEu8A%3D&amp;reserved=0">Spotify</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://aus01.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.youtube.com%2Fplaylist%3Flist%3DPL0bvjLds5_8SzwlqtE2U1NjCD3ftO3-QZ&amp;data=05%7C02%7CCCaldwell%40lowyinstitute.org%7Cdf2253bf2a8645900fec08de6375004f%7C1fb32338ad1940db98fdc701f150c316%7C0%7C0%7C639057551324051410%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJFbXB0eU1hcGkiOnRydWUsIlYiOiIwLjAuMDAwMCIsIlAiOiJXaW4zMiIsIkFOIjoiTWFpbCIsIldUIjoyfQ%3D%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&amp;sdata=SNKL4SD1uY8Q%2BE6u5GTyCvbVkKnFC5DpG8c5NQLkFrA%3D&amp;reserved=0">YouTube</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://aus01.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fpodcasts.apple.com%2Fau%2Fpodcast%2Flowy-institute%2Fid191062366&amp;data=05%7C02%7CCCaldwell%40lowyinstitute.org%7Cdf2253bf2a8645900fec08de6375004f%7C1fb32338ad1940db98fdc701f150c316%7C0%7C0%7C639057551324065273%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJFbXB0eU1hcGkiOnRydWUsIlYiOiIwLjAuMDAwMCIsIlAiOiJXaW4zMiIsIkFOIjoiTWFpbCIsIldUIjoyfQ%3D%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&amp;sdata=kHVnZP0Ul0I70SDl4wRsQqBnybDrUbNB8Wv%2BSm6%2FuOw%3D&amp;reserved=0">Apple</a>.

From treaty to trust: The next chapter in the Australia–PNG relationship

At the 2026 Lowy Institute Media Award dinner, former ambassador and intelligence chief Dennis Richardson AC traced five decades at the sharp end of government-media relations, from running the Commonwealth's first media monitoring unit in 1972 to advising ambassadors on when to dodge the cameras. He's blunt on AUKUS and the government's reluctance to sell it, sharper still on what he sees as media silence in the face of rising anti-Semitism after the Bondi attack, and unsparing about a public service he says too often confuses self-censorship for prudence.

At the 2026 Lowy Institute Media Award dinner, former ambassador and intelligence chief Dennis Richardson AC traced five decades at the sharp end of government-media relations, from running the Commonwealth's first media monitoring unit in 1972 to advising ambassadors on when to dodge the cameras. He's blunt on AUKUS and the government's reluctance to sell it, sharper still on what he sees as media silence in the face of rising anti-Semitism after the Bondi attack, and unsparing about a public service he says too often confuses self-censorship for prudence.

2026 Lowy Institute Media Lecture: Dennis Richardson AC

The Lowy Institute was delighted to welcome Thailand's Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul to Bligh Street for a roundtable discussion, chaired by the Institute's Executive Director Michael Fullilove.
 
The Prime Minister delivered a brief speech, discussing the roles of Thailand, Australia, and middle-sized countries in addressing an increasingly uncertain world.

The Lowy Institute was delighted to welcome Thailand's Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul to Bligh Street for a roundtable discussion, chaired by the Institute's Executive Director Michael Fullilove. &nbsp; The Prime Minister delivered a brief speech, discussing the roles of Thailand, Australia, and middle-sized countries in addressing an increasingly uncertain world.

Prime Minister of Thailand Anutin Charnvirakul

Two prominent Australian strategists from opposite sides of the defence debate discuss the AUKUS partnership.

Jennifer Parker makes the case that AUKUS is vital for Australian security and that the nuclear-powered submarines will be delivered.

Sam Roggeveen argues that AUKUS is unachievable and unnecessary.

The debate features opening statements from each speaker, followed by a moderated discussion led by Lowy Institute Research Director Mihai Sora, and concludes with an audience Q&A.

Two prominent Australian strategists from opposite sides of the defence debate discuss the AUKUS partnership.
Jennifer Parker makes the case that AUKUS is vital for Australian security and that the nuclear-powered submarines will be delivered.
Sam Roggeveen argues that AUKUS is unachievable and unnecessary.
The debate features opening statements from each speaker, followed by a moderated discussion led by Lowy Institute Research Director Mihai Sora, and concludes with an audience Q&amp;A.

Lowy Institute debate: Does AUKUS strengthen Australia's security?

As the 55th Pacific Islands Forum Leaders' Meeting opens in Palau, the region faces a series of major challenges. These include a Chinese missile test that the Forum couldn’t agree to condemn, a contested region-wide security treaty, Taiwan's return to the Forum, an El Niño event, and a global fuel crisis.

In this episode of Lowy Institute Conversations, Oliver Nobetau is joined by Dr Connor Graham and Sarah Thompson to examine what these developments mean for Pacific security, regional unity, and economic resilience.

As the 55th Pacific Islands Forum Leaders' Meeting opens in Palau, the region faces a series of major challenges. These include a Chinese missile test that the Forum couldn&rsquo;t agree to condemn, a contested region-wide security treaty, Taiwan's return to the Forum, an El Ni&ntilde;o event, and a global fuel crisis.
In this episode of Lowy Institute Conversations, Oliver Nobetau is joined by Dr Connor Graham and Sarah Thompson to examine what these developments mean for Pacific security, regional unity, and economic resilience.

Pacific unity on the line: The 2026 PIF Leaders' Meeting

The 2026 Allan Gyngell Lecture was delivered by the Minister for Foreign Affairs, Senator the Hon Penny Wong. Senator Wong paid tribute to Allan Gyngell’s influence on her thinking, reflected on multiculturalism as a source of national strength, and framed Australia’s strategic choices in an increasingly uncertain world. 

Following her address, the Foreign Minister joined the Lowy Institute's Executive Director, Dr Michael Fullilove AM for a conversation. They discussed  the stabilisation of Australia's relationship with China, AUKUS, Senator Wong’s dealings with the Trump administration and Secretary Rubio, and the declining relevance of the United Nations. 

The 2026 Allan Gyngell Lecture was delivered by the Minister for Foreign Affairs, Senator the Hon Penny Wong. Senator Wong paid tribute to Allan Gyngell&rsquo;s influence on her thinking, reflected on multiculturalism as a source of national strength, and framed Australia&rsquo;s strategic choices in an increasingly uncertain world.&nbsp;
Following her address, the Foreign Minister joined the Lowy Institute's Executive Director, Dr Michael Fullilove AM for a conversation. They discussed&nbsp; the stabilisation of Australia's relationship with China, AUKUS, Senator Wong&rsquo;s dealings with the Trump administration and Secretary Rubio, and the declining relevance of the United Nations.&nbsp;

2026 Allan Gyngell Lecture: Senator Penny Wong

As great powers race for the critical minerals scattered on the ocean floor, the Pacific is splitting into two camps — those betting on deep-sea mining as an economic lifeline, and those warning the environmental risks are too great. In this episode of Lowy Institute Conversations, Dr Connor Graham speaks with Dr Philippa Louey, Senior Research Associate at the Lancaster Environment Centre, about what's driving the rush, where Australia fits in, and whether the region can find common ground before mining starts.

As great powers race for the critical minerals scattered on the ocean floor, the Pacific is splitting into two camps &mdash; those betting on deep-sea mining as an economic lifeline, and those warning the environmental risks are too great. In this episode of Lowy Institute Conversations, Dr Connor Graham speaks with Dr Philippa Louey, Senior Research Associate at the Lancaster Environment Centre, about what's driving the rush, where Australia fits in, and whether the region can find common ground before mining starts.

The Pacific’s deep-sea fault line

The Lowy Institute is a leading international think tank that looks at the world from Australia’s perspective.

This channel aggregates audio from across all of our event and podcast channels.

The Lowy Institute is a leading international think tank that looks at the world from Australia’s perspective.
This channel aggregates audio from across all of our event and podcast channels.

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